Members of the community, city dignitaries and the Folsom Chamber of Commerce came together along with staff, volunteers and board members from Folsom History this week for a unique type of ribbon cutting in the city’s Historic District.
What was once known as Pioneer Village in Historic Folsom has recently entered a transformation due to the hard work, dedication and vision of Folsom History. Today the unique space is still home to its historic structures, blacksmiths and other longtime visuals, but it’s also becoming home to much more and is has been rebranded as The Square.
While the transformation includes much of the attraction’s longtime features, it is now becoming an historically inspired makers space for visitors. Instead of simply strolling through the area and looking on at the sites, visitors, especially children, can spend time in the space and not only take a tour and watch the blacksmiths perform their skilled art, they can become hands on and partake in various activities, craft building and more, all in with history in mind, regardless of the activities.
The transformation of the site is an ongoing project. Folsom History is seeking volunteers willing to pitch in and help as tour guides. More importantly, Folsom History is seeking sponsorships for the space that can help make the organization’s dreams and visions come true for the space.
Wednesday evening included the official Chamber of Commerce style ribbon cutting and photo opportunities with a historical twist as Folsom History staff and volunteers proceeded to cut the ribbon using tools from the past rather than traditional scissors.
The event welcomed representation from several different county and city leaders as well, including members of Folsom City Council, Mayor Rosario Rodriguez, Assemblyman Josh Hoover, Senator Roger Niello, County Supervisor Sue Frost and Congressman Kevin Kiley.
Folsom History Executive Director Rita Mukherjee Hoffstadt welcomed everyone to the celebration and spoke about the project and the organization’s plans and vision ahead. The event concluded with food, refreshments and an opportunity for guests to tour the space that has long been a special area of Historic Folsom.
See the Folsom Times video coverage above for the all of the special presentations at the event.
