Dana Hicks, Ph.D., curator of our Gilb Museum gave us an overview of an impressive spectrum of programs and exhibits that she coordinates.  She said that one of her favorite activities is the two hours per day she spends in the archives researching the donations and artifacts that are stored at the museum.

The Permanent Section displays the chronological history of our area, from the Native American, through the Spanish, the Explorers, through WWI and WWII to the present.

A recently closed special exhibit was on  Anokia, the 19 acre estate with a 50 room mansion built by Anita Baldwin, daughter of Arcadia’s found “Lucky” Baldwin.

Temporary Exhibits reflect the history, art and culture of our locale.  Dr. Hicks selects art from professionals and local talent, even youth.  There has been contributions from seniors, quilts from a quilting guild and even the donation of an extensive lace collection.

The new Education Center provides room for varied experiences for the community including symposia, lunch talks on the 3rd Thursday nine months of the year and visiting artisans.  This year’s symposium on October 8th will focus on Railroads in Arcadia.

Dr. Hicks has expanded the programming for hands-on family activities such as making adobe bricks, added evening programs in the spring, movie nights in the summer focusing on movies filmed in Arcadia.

All of the above (and more) are supported by 60 volunteers, the Museum Foundation, docents and a special Photograph ID team.  The PIT group,long time residents,  looks at old photos and identify the location, buildings etc.

A new exhibit will be on the Balloon School at the end of WW1 that was on what has become  Arcadia Park.

Dr. Hicks informational presentation confirmed that we have a valuable resource at the Museum, with something for everyone and worthy of repeated visits through the year.