Some familiar faces have returned to the board for the Escalon Historical Society, installed at the recent membership luncheon.

David Russell will continue his duties as board president and Barbara Langum returns as vice president. Serving as secretary once again will be Cathy Ensley and Adrian Van Houten returns as treasurer. Continuing on in her role as historian will be Wendy Fenton, who also oversees the historical society’s Facebook page.

Dorothy Miller is curator and Sandy Russell is the office manager.

With the calendar year rapidly coming to a close, officials said they are looking forward to more special programs, gatherings and hosting tours at the museum in 2025.

Regular hours for the museum at 1630 Main Street in Escalon are Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m.; it can also be opened for tours by request by calling 209-838-8070.

The first Wednesday of the month is observed as ‘Reminisce Day’ with residents encouraged to stop by and share their memories of old time Escalon.

This year, the Escalon Historical Society and Museum observed its 35th anniversary, with a celebration in October, and had other events including an 80th anniversary observance for the Kraft/Heinz cannery, previously known as Escalon Premier Brands and Escalon Packers. Many current and former employees attended the event.

Officials said there are a number of unique items in the gift shop that can be purchased for Christmas gifts, including children’s books, Escalon Historical Society cookbooks, ornaments, puzzles, cookie cutters, train whistles for kids, hats, T-shirts, jewelry and more.

Also, there are still bricks available – part of an ongoing fundraiser – for the Fire Station monument on Main Street, paying homage to the city’s first fire station.

There are single and double bricks offered, as well as a double brick with an organization or business logo. Prices are $100 for the single brick, $200 for a double brick and $500 for the double brick with logo.

The museum can also be rented for private parties, reunions and the like for a donation of $100.

Museum officials said having school classes from all the Escalon elementary schools visit during this past year was a highlight, as many students from the rural schools of Collegeville and Farmington had never been in to the local museum before.

Regular meetings of the museum board are the second Monday of the month at 2 p.m.