MIDDLETOWN >> April’s Fireside Chat at Gibson Museum will feature Gene Paleno, local historian and popular columnist for the Record-Bee.
A resident of Witter Springs for almost fifty years, Paleno has collected local history and now shares it in his column and his newly release book, Lake County History: A Mystical Adventure in Time. He will sign copies of the 450-page tome for interested attendees.
Now nearing his 90th birthday, Paleno has developed a wry, humorous look at the world he lives in that always delights his audiences.
He had earlier written fifteen novels and books of fiction and non-fiction. Of this most recent work he says, “History can be too strange or too ridiculous to be ignored.”
Paleno will also appear at the 2nd Anniversary Celebration of Gibson Museum & Cultural Center May 14. That event is themed “A Look at Life in the 1860s” and will be headlined by two authentically portrayed skirmishes by the American Civil War Association, as well as fashions, food and music of the period. Paleno will delve into his book about the Civil War to offer information about the surprising depth of Californians’ participation in that war.
The Chat will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 30; the museum closes at 5 p.m. There is no charge, although donations are welcomed as Gibson is entirely funded by voluntary contributions. Seating is limited and reservations are advised.
Gibson Museum is located at 21267 Calistoga St. (Highway 29) in Middletown, directly opposite the Community Center. Call 809-8009 or write gibsonmuseum@gmail.com for more information.
