Museum Director’s Notes
By Debbie Benson, Director
“Leaving any bookstore is hard, especially on a day in August, when the street outside burns and glares, and the books inside are cool and crisp to the touch.” – Jane Smiley
Once again, this has been a summer of extreme heat that has made itself felt in the dry leaves and grasses and the survival of all things growing. The growth all winter from the deep soaking we got from Hilary and the winter rains has increased the amount of crisp and dehydrated plants when exposed to the extremes heat of the desert. We all feel it and the need for water is ever present. Don’t leave home without it!
Our gardens are looking good with the work being done and a few new plantings that are surviving with care. Our new walkway through the garden that leads to our curation building makes the garden accessible to our visitors. If you are interested in buying an engraved brick that will enhance the walkway the information is on our website and in the Museum Store.
We are putting together more plans for trips and tours. Some of us went on the July trip to Bodie and had the opportunity to go around the town and to the Stamp Mill. The tour was led by informative host Chris Spiller from the Bodie Foundation. We were glad to support the work they are doing to slow, or arrest, the decay of the remaining structures. It was a day of information and stories along with photogenic structures and historical items. It was a full tour that still included time to investigate on our own which was fun as the weather was beautiful. We hope to put together a tour to that area again next year if the weather allows, the roads are good and there is interest.
In reference to the opening quote, the Maturango Store has a great book section! If you come in and look at a few you too may find them an excellent respite from the heat! We have some fun books for the young readers as well. Too soon they will be going back to various school situations and may enjoy having a favorite read for these burning hot days!
Please stay hydrated! Our best to you all.
Download the August Newsletter Now
https://maturango.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/August-2024-update-fx.pdf