WINNEMUCCA - It's a new day at the Humboldt Museum. Belinda Bell, recently brought on board as Event Coordinator and Manager of the museum's thrift store, works on a display for the soon-to-be reopened building. Located in a historic building on the museum grounds, "The Trunk" is the museum's main source of income, and Bell - an artist in her own right - is putting her design skills to work to create a unique shopping experience for locals and travelers alike.
"It's sort of retro-chic," she says. "It's not an ordinary thrift store - it's an extraordinary thrift store!" The store features retro, shabby chic and funtique items. After the grand re-opening Saturday, Oct. 22, the store will be open each Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Cash and checks will be accepted.
But the changes at the Trunk are just the tip of the iceberg at the museum. After the retirement of longtime curator and director Pansilee Larsen this summer, the museum sought and found a new leader. Dana Toth started the new position on Oct. 3, leaving her previous position at the Humboldt County Planning Department for the new challenge.
"Every time I open a cupboard there's something new," says Toth. "There is a lot to do, but I'm excited about it."
Along with enthusiasm, Toth brings with her a bundle of fresh ideas - but realizes she must strike a balance between the modern and the historic. "I'd like to see more people come up here," she said. "This is part of everybody."
To celebrate the new direction, the museum is planning an Oktoberfest fundraiser and open house on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 6 - 9 p.m.
The event will feature a "meet and greet" with Toth, a tribute to former museum curator and director Pansliee Larsen, and the grand re-opening of the Trunk. In addition, the Richardson House, the St. Mary's Church and the museum itself will all be open for public viewing and tours.
One other fun aspect of the open house will be a pianist playing the "Nixon piano," which was rescued from the Nixon Opera House before it was destroyed by fire in 1992. Located on the second floor of the museum, the piano was lovingly restored after the great fire.
The fundraiser will feature a no-host bar with wine and Nevada beer, as well as a great chance to mix and mingle with museum personnel and hear about all the exciting changes coming to the museum.
New directions
The new direction for the museum is encompassing the ideas of Toth and Bell, as well as the 10-member Humboldt Museum board of directors. It's a diverse group of interests, ideas and backgrounds - but it seems to be working.
"One thing I'm working on is a monthly rotating exhibit of art, focusing on the historic elements of Humboldt County and northern Nevada," Bell said. While the first exhibit is still in the planning stages, the community of Paradise Valley has been on the front of the mind of Bell and Toth as a possible theme for the first rotation.
Bell says she realizes there are several generations-old ranching families in that area that have historical items they could loan to the museum for this display - as well as the work of many artists who frequently use the glorious backdrop of Paradise Valley for their paintings, drawings and other artwork.
"We plan to focus on history - but with art and music mixed in," she said. Bell said she has several events and fundraisers planned for the museum in the coming weeks and months - including participation in the Winnemucca Wine Walks next year, and a Bluegrass concert fundraiser penciled in for next Father's Day.
The Humboldt Museum is located at 175 Museum Ave., near the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 95 and Jungo Rd., Winnemucca. For more information call the museum at 623-2912 or visit humboldtmuseum.org.
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