Ever been curious about how many Web sites there are out there in cyberspace? The NetCraft site reports that in February 2007 there were 108,810,358 sites. By now that number may have doubled, or even tripled. So, with all those to choose from, how can you narrow it down to one really great site that will tell you just about everything you need to know about Douglas County History? Just to go to www.historicnevada.org. Everything you need is right there.
The site features descriptions of both the Genoa Court House Museum and the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center and the history of each. For instance, did you know that the Carson Valley Museum was once the Douglas County High School or that the Genoa Court House Museum was originally built in 1856?
Once at the site, you can read the latest historical society newsletter, check out the featured book from the gift shops or pick your next event from the events calendar.
New to the area? There is a map to each museum on the site. There is even a section describing the Douglas County Historical Society, who we are, what we do and how you can become a part of it all.
Coming soon to the site will be a complete listing of all the books available in both book store/gift shops and information on how to order a copy of any one you choose. Remember, too, because we are a nonprofit organization, you pay no tax when you order on line or buy in person. Better yet, join the society and get a 10 percent discount as well. Check us out.
Speaking of gift shops, the Carson Valley Museum Main Street Book Store is featuring a new artist for the month of August. Mechele Johnson will be the featured artist all month and her watercolors will be on display and available for sale in the book store. Mechele moved to Gardnerville in 1995 and fell in love with the colors in our area. To her, there is nothing drab, dull or boring about old barns, ghost towns or wildflowers. She has developed a technique of layering color so that each piece she does seems to come alive. There will be a reception for Mechele from 2-4 p.m., Friday, Aug. 3 at the Gardnerville museum. Call 782-2555 for additional information. Come join us and help welcome Mechele.
Starting about now, the days start to get shorter and time seems to go much faster. We all try to cram even more events into our lives until the Christmas season when we are so busy we can't see straight. Before you get too involved, remember there are still summer events like the Taste of Gardnerville to be enjoyed. And there are more events scheduled for the fall. Make plans now to attend the "Curse of the Hanging Tree," Sept. 7 and 8, and the Haunted Weekend, Oct. 19-21.
Somewhere between those two events, we will be reminding you that it is time to participate in the Christmas tree decorating contest and to buy your tickets to the annual Holiday Cookie Walk and Mad Hatter Tea. And right after the beginning of the new year, we are planning another melodrama, complete with good guys, bad guys, and hisses and boos. It's all great fun and benefits all of us by preserving the history of this great county. So get out your calendars and make plans to join us and support your local museums.
If you have any questions about anything mentioned here, please call the Douglas County Historical Society at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville at 782-2555 or the Genoa Court House Museum at 782-4325. Visit the Web site at www.historicnevada.org. And, if you have the time, both museums are always looking for interested volunteers.
-- Contact Ellen Caywood at in2my2cats@yahoo.com or at 790-1565.
