Pioneer Museum Expansion Begins
By Bobbi Zane

Members of the Board of Directors of the Julian Pioneer Museum turn the ceremonial shovel of dirt signifying the start of construction for an addition to the old stone building. Pictured from left: Marian Moore, Barbara Stovall, Woman's Club President Jan Mattias, Eddie Silbernagle, Jo Larson, and Jean Resetco. Photo by Bobbi Zane

The expansion of the Julian Pioneer Museum got under way on May 25 with a groundbreaking ceremony for the addition of a new room, which will house displays and provide a work space for researchers.

A new Indian Exhibit will be home to the museum's Native American and Marshal South collections. The 100 Kumeyaay baskets, moccasins and arrowheads will be moved from their crowded location in the museum to the new room. And the museum's small but significant collection of Marshal South letters and artifacts will also be placed in the new room.

The room will also hold a loft containing computers, files and other items to facilitate the work of researchers.

The addition has been in the works for more than four years, according to curator Eddie Silbernagle, who has guided the project through funding, design and permitting processes.

The room, about 700 square feet in two stories, is being built next to the south wall of the current museum.

The work is being funded by community enhancement grants, donations and proceeds from fundraisers, according to Silbernagle.

"We don't have all the money we need," she says, but the "$90,000 on hand" will pay for a large portion of the construction.

The first phase of the work, being done by local contractor Kevin O'Connor, has already started. Silbernagle expects that he will have the structure framed, roof in place and wrapped.

"This is a good project," she says. "It will bring people to Julian and help everybody in town."