Museums gear up for holiday events

Although October weather has been really wet, your local museums are the place to be. This weekend marks the closing of the Genoa Courthouse Museum for the season. This will be your last chance to visit before spring. The exhibit committee always works wonders in Genoa over the winter. If you want to see the Genoa museum the way it was before they worked their magic, get over to Genoa by Sunday.

The Main Street Bookstore has holiday items in early this year. Our new 2010 Christmas collectors' ornaments feature the courthouse in Genoa, and are available for $8 each. Also available are the 2011 calendars for $10. Those who pre-ordered, come pick up your order. Calendars are available at both museums this weekend only, and available at the Gardnerville museum until sold out.

The Cordes Cousins are featured speakers at the lecture Nov. 11.  They are looking forward to telling all of you about their Aunt Frieda Cordes Godecke and her wonderful column in our local paper. "Frieda's Files," the book they have compiled and published, is available for sale at the museum. We recommend it as the perfect gift for those history lovers on your Christmas list.

The Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park clothing exhibit is noon to 4 p.m. today through Sunday and next weekend. It's a great opportunity to see the Dangberg Home Ranch and view some of the historic clothes. No reservations needed for this exhibit, but get there early to see it all.

Now is the time to submit your application to exhibit your decorated Christmas tree in the 14th annual Gallery of Trees. All local individuals, school, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate in this community event. The Gallery of Trees is held in conjunction with the annual gingerbread house decorating contest, transforming the museum into a veritable winter wonderland. Applications are due on or before Nov. 19. Call 782-2555 for more information and applications.

Santa is warming up his sleigh for the annual Christmas Gala to be ready for his photos with the kids and grandkids. Dec. 4 is the date for the opening of the holiday season with the cookie walk, the Gallery of Trees and the gingerbread houses. The Main Street Bookstore will be open for your Christmas shopping. Information about the Douglas County Historical Society at www.historicnevada.org or the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville at 782-2555. Remember, DCHS and its two museums in Gardnerville and Genoa don't receive any regular state or county funding. It's up to our members and friends to help keep our doors open.

Contact Ellen Caywood at in2my2cats@yahoo.com or 790-1565.