July was, as always, an incredibly busy month. The removal of MHC-owned objects from Stonewall Hall and the Dudley Garage was completed on July 6 with the fantastic assistance of the Preservation Crew. As is often the case, the relocation of the many large items, such as freight wagons with wheels missing and a fragile Model-T automobile, calls upon the ingenuity and expertise of all involved. We are grateful for the skilled help and cooperative effort we share.

Work continued for Janna and Andrew at the Gilbert House. Cataloguing of objects from the Kramer Dress Shop has also begun with the help of Americorps volunteers, who arrived on July 18. Several of the Americorps crew and Andrew have also been aiding Marge with the annual conservation efforts to preserve the objects exhibited in display buildings by cleaning. In addition to cleaning, the curatorial staff is working with volunteers Sherry and Terry Copenhaver to give the Edmisten house in Nevada City a little interpretive face lift.

Marge was pleased to have the opportunity to meet Kathleen Schulz from Cape Town, South Africa and share a behind the scenes look at the historical and cultural treasures of Virginia and Nevada Cities. Kathleen is a visiting researcher with an extensive background in archaeology and anthropology and is affiliated with several universities in South Africa. Kathleen hopes to publish a comparative study of preservation efforts in our area with those in Cape Town.

Work continues on the Gypsy Verbal Fortune Teller, and Conservator John Kjelland reports that she is well on her way to operable. We hope to have her home before the long winter sets in.