MENDOCINO Co., 11/17/21 — A new exhibit celebrating all things related to letters and the post office will be opening at the Mendocino County Museum in Willits this week on Nov. 13, featuring items from the museum’s collection and including a number of workshops including a recipe exchange, ornament making, and more. The exhibit will also include a “correspondence station” where visitors can make and send mail, and the museum will be “collecting correspondence from visitors and friends,” according to the announcement.
“To participate, send us a letter telling us about your favorite kind of mail to receive and share a story about the most memorable thing you have been sent. Please send letters to: Mendocino County Museum, 400 E Commercial St, Willits, CA 95490,” the press release states.
Here’s the announcement from the county, with event details:
Visitors are invited to view our new exhibit, “Correspondence: A Gift for All Seasons,” opening November 13th. This exhibit celebrates the connection that mail service provides by showcasing letters, cards, stationery, and telegrams exchanged throughout Mendocino County from the early 1900’s to the present. Some of the “must see” objects on display from the Dusty Whitney collection are the complete set of Howard family Christmas cards featuring Sea Biscuit and his offspring, stationery from the Ukiah Palace Hotel, and correspondence from the Point Area Light Station. Examples of mail-order children’s toys and gifts from the museum collection will also be on display.
An old-fashioned letter writing station featuring a typewriter and quill pens will be available to visitors to compose letters to Santa or a friend. Guests will have the opportunity to mail their letters in our early 1900’s Willits Post office boxes on display in the lobby.
PROGRAM CALENDAR
For the duration of the exhibit the museum will be collecting correspondence from visitors and friends. To participate, send us a letter telling us about your favorite kind of mail to receive and share a story about the most memorable thing you have been sent. Please send letters to: Mendocino County Museum, 400 E Commercial St, Willits, CA 95490.
Saturday, November 13, 1:00-3:00 pm: Correspondence: A Gift for All Seasons exhibit opens. Local historian Dusty Whitney will be on hand to talk about unique pieces from the collection. Create your own postcard or letter at our correspondence station.
Saturday, November 27, 1:00 pm: Mendocino County Museum Recipe Exchange – Watch a live cooking demonstration, view recipes from our archives, and bring your favorite recipe to take part in our recipe swap.
Saturday, December 4, 12:00-7:00 pm: Mendocino County Museum will be open for the Roots of Motive Power Holiday Express FREE family event. Enjoy train rides, an old-fashioned letter writing station, a take-and-make ornament craft, and more.
400 E Commercial St. Office: (707) 459-2736 Willits, CA 95490 Email: museum@mendocinocounty.org
Saturday, December 11, 12:00-4:00 pm: Greeting Card Take and Make – Learn how to create DIY envelopes and pick up your own greeting card kit. Available while supplies last.
Saturday, December 18, 12:00-4:00 pm: Oly the Paper Doll and Scandinavian Painted Ornament Take and Make. Available while supplies last. Learn more about Mendocino County Museum and view our full program calendar at www.mendocinocounty.org/museum. For more information, please contact the Mendocino County Museum at 707-459-2736 or museum@mendocinocounty.org.