How does a volunteer group stay active when the entity they are dedicated to supporting has closed its doors of the main site for renovation? I’m speaking of the Riverside Museum Associates members who docent at both the Riverside Metropolitan Museum and Heritage House, and provide other support and activities associated with the Museum. One of those activities, which started as training for docents, is field trips to local historic sites. If anyone is interested in local history and would like to be more involved, check out the Riverside Museum Associates (https://riversidemuseumassociates.org/) and maybe join us on one of our fun and informative bus tours. The upcoming trip is to the newly renovated Nixon Presidential Library. The trip is Dec. 6th, and leaves from Heritage House (8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside) at 9:15, returning approx. 3:15. The cost is $58 per person and includes bus, admission, lunch at Mimi’s Cafe, and all gratuities. Please contact Barbra at 951-682-3262. We must have your reservation by Nov. 21st.

This year, the Multicultural Council’s 7th Annual Day of Inclusion will feature the Harada family story and the National Historical Landmark Harada House.  Harada House represents an “American Dream” story and a major historical event in Riverside when the Harada family challenged the 1913 California Alien Land Law.  The decision on that case has implications to past and current civil rights issues.  We are seeking sponsors for this December 17, 2017, event.  If you would like to be a sponsor please see the on-line donation link on our web page or send a check to:  MCC Treasurer, P.O. Box 1112, Riverside, CA 92501.  Note DOI on your check. We hope to see you at this free, family event at the Box Theater in the Riverside Fox Theater Plaza. at 1 pm December 17th.  Follow us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/multiculturalcouncil.

What is? Well the answer is actually two answers.  One is that the annual Heritage House Ice Cream Social is just around the corner.  It is an opportunity to share a picnic-type day at Heritage House, experiencing a social event like they held in the 1890s with free ice cream, cake, music, games, crafts, and parades.  For those who have never seen the inside of Heritage House, the house will be open to guests.  All this is free.

The second answer is that Heritage House will soon be closing for the summer, so if you want to take a custom tour and get all kinds of interesting information, plan on visiting before we close after the Ice Cream Social.