Rio Grande County Museum to host grand reopening June 24

RIO GRANDE COUNTY — The Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center is hosting a grand reopening event on Friday, June 24 from 3 to 7 p.m. Over the last month and a half, the new director, Lyndsie Ferrell, and Assistant Director Kathy Ellithorpe have been working to change up the exhibits, create interactive displays and with a little help from technology, will bring history to life.

“We are really excited to invite the public back through the doors. This museum has been a cherished part of this county for many years, and we want to honor all of the people who worked to make this place what it is. Even though Del Norte is celebrating 150 years this year, we are still a county facility and represent all of the communities, past and present,” said Ferrell.

For the event, several area businesses far and wide donated to a silent auction to benefit educational programs and future events for the museum.

“We really want to focus on education for our youth throughout the county. It is one thing the 501C3 board really wants to bring to the museum and we are working with several organizations including the High Valley Community Center and local school districts to try and get some of the younger generations interested in our local history. All of the funding from this event will help us do that,” said Ferrell.

The silent auction includes day ski passes to Wolf Creek Ski Resort, rodeo tickets generously donated by the Ski-Hi Stampede Committee, a gift package and gift certificate from Colorado Grille in Del Norte, haircuts from Salon SLV, tickets to a play of choice at Creede Repertory Theatre and much more. Bidding for the event will begin on Tuesday, June 21 and run until 6:30 p.m. on June 24. There will also be a raffle for a gift bag stuffed full of goodies. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the door for $1.

“Beyond the silent auction, we will have some wonderful presentations including a reading from local poet, author, and painter Martha Kennedy. Martha is a vivid and engaging storyteller that has taught most of her life in both China and the US. She recently published a book of poetry about her experiences in the San Luis Valley and will be reading some beginning at 4:30. After her reading, we will showcase a presentation to commemorate Del Norte’s 150thanniversary which will both shock and awe our beloved patrons,” laughed Ferrell. “If nothing else it will be something to remember.”

There will also be new exhibits throughout the museum and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 719-657-2847 or visit the Facebook page under Rio Grande County Museum and Cultural Center.