Free admission for seniors and students Saturday

Here we are at Easter week and April already. The March photo contest is over and the winner will be announced next week. Consider what you would like to enter for the April contest which started Friday. Take a photo of whatever you think truly represents April in Douglas County and e-mail it to me at the address below or take it into the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville. The contest ends April 30.

The question for the history quiz is, who was the first chief of the Washoe tribe? Go to the Washoe Room in the Gardnerville museum and find the answer. Just tell it to the docent at the front desk, walk away with a fun prize and see your name here next week.

Student-Senior Day is Saturday at the Gardnerville museum, which means all students accompanied by an adult and all seniors get into the museum for free. Come by and see the new things going on. Check out Marilyn Elligott who gives candlewicking demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Candlewicking is a form of white work embroidery that traditionally uses an unbleached cotton thread on a piece of unbleached muslin. It gets its name from the nature of the soft spun cotton thread, which was braided then used to form the wick for candles. Motifs are created using a variety of traditional embroidery stitches as well as a tufted stitch. Modern designs include colored floss embroidery with the traditional white on white stitching.

April events include the annual volunteer recognition reception where we thank those who give valuable time to keep both museums running smoothly. If you are a volunteer at the Gardnerville or Genoa museums and haven't received your invitation to the reception, call Cindy at 782-2555. 

The Genoa Courthouse Museum opens April 28, to coincide with the Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival on April 29-May 2. The museum's official grand opening is May 1, when Marilyn Elligott demonstrates spinning techniques at 11 a.m. and at 1 p.m. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how our great-grandmothers made wool into yarn.

Next time you are online, check out Douglas County Historical Society on Facebook. Become a fan and visit often.

For questions, contact the Douglas County Historical Society at www.historicnevada.org or at 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 us keep our doors open.

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