Fresno, California…June 30, 2020…
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be of concern across the nation and the number of local cases is rising, the Fresno County Historical Society’s Board of Trustees has made the difficult decision to cancel the organization’s largest annual fundraising event, previously planned for this October.
For 30 years, FCHS secured nearly a quarter of its operational funds for the year during its annual
Civil War Revisited
Board of Trustees President, Martin Ilic stated, “As much as we had hoped to hold our inaugural
Time Travelers
event this fall, the priority of our organization has to be on the health and safety of our visitors and staff. We are working on a number of projects while ensuring to abide by all regulations in relation to COVID-19.”
Time Travelers: 19
th
Century America
planned to showcase the rich history of California as well as the settling of Fresno County. With input from school districts, sponsors, partners and local community organizations, the refreshed event was to include elements that focused on the Valley’s Native Americans, the “Wild West” and gold mining, life during and after the Civil War in California and, perhaps most exciting, the arrival and settlement of Fresno County by the diverse groups that make this region so unique and special.
“We believe this pivot to a focus on local history, still within the context of major national occurrences of the 1800s, will better meet the current needs of our students and will bring a fresh perspective to the many stories yet to be told right here in the Valley,” said FCHS President, Elizabeth Laval.
Laval continued, “While we are disappointed to have to wait to share all the new elements with the public and the students who attend on field trips, we are working to craft a virtual experience for this year that we know will help this important and required curriculum come to life for students and families throughout the County.”
The 2021 date for
Time Travelers: 19
th
Century America
has not yet been announced. The public may visit
valleyhistory.org
for updates and information on the Fresno County Historical Society. Donations are being welcomed to offset the tremendous revenue loss from the cancellation of this year’s event.
