Become a Member; Help Build the Museum Memberships

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Dixon Historical Society is working diligently behind the scenes with plans to open the downtown museum soon. That effort includes launching their new website and inviting people into placing memberships to help support the effort.

Although the COVID19 Virus temporarily halted the quarterly membership meetings that many enjoyed, the Society is working to protect and preserve artifacts, documents, photos, and irreplaceable items that are unique to Dixon's history.

The group announced this past October that they had successfully negotiated a lease at 125 West A Street behind Bud's Pub & Grill in the Pacific Coast Ice House historical building.

The large space will be used for an interpretive museum with historical exhibitions and displays which include historical sites and houses, Dixon's diverse cultural heritage, and agricultural roots.

"We aren't just going to do history but we'll also do artists or meetings and have other sources of income," Public History Intern Kayla Nelson said. "The history aspect of it is just the cherry on top." Nelson, a mother of two and wife of an Air Force pilot, is a full-time public history student and has extensive skills with social media so created the website that is now up and easily accessible. There are drop-down menus that allow someone to become a member or make donations.

In order to establish the museum, there is a need for site preparation, construction, printing of interpretive signage and they ask for support of the dedicated volunteers with donations of $100 or more which includes an annual membership in the society. With a $250 contribution, DHS will also include a high quality black short sleeve collared polo with the DHS emblem on it. With a $500 amount, there will also be two free tickets to their Bud's Pub & Grill Fundraiser Dinner set for March included as well. Their immediate goal is to raise $20,000.

She reported that they will use a multi-prong approach to keep enough funds flowing--albeit grants, memberships, donations, and events but stressed someone who doesn't have money can still donate their time which is equally important and why she created a tab for volunteering on the website.

Support is critical to accomplish the two phases of work. Phase One will be finished in January 2021 and Phase Two in April.

"Once the pandemic restrictions for museums lift, the doors will open," said First Vice President Loran Hoffman.

"Getting the community behind the idea of a museum and getting them involved either by contribution or by time will be incredibly helpful," Nelson said, "for both the older who appreciates the history but also the younger generation."

One can donate by mailing a check to Dixon Historical Society, P.O. Box 814, Dixon, CA 95620 or one can pay using PayPal or credit card. The Society has been a non-profit public benefit corporation with 501(c)(3) tax filing status since 1987.

They offered a donation caveat by reminding people that even if you're one of the 90 percent who do not itemize charitable deductions, The CARES Act states that all donors can claim up to $300 per taxpayer ($600 per married filing jointly) for charitable gifts made in 2020, whether they itemize or take the standard deduction.

Individual annual membership is $20 or $25 couple/per family of 2 payable by January 31, 2021.

For more information, see DixonHistoricalSociety.org, call President Bill Schroeder at (707) 761-9574 or Treasurer Diane Schroeder at (707) 685-0802.