At the recent Council meeting May 7, the Colton City Council recognized by proclamation the Colton Area 11th Annual Museum Day, which is observed on the first Saturday in May, starting in 2014. The proclamation was presented to five members of the Colton Area Museum Association (CAMA) Board of Directors, by Council Member, Dr.G, who is a CAMA Life Member. The CAMA Board Members in attendance were Oscar Tostado, Mary Helen Betancourt, Ruth Ann Martinez, Lori Sanchez, and Chuck Vasquez.
Since 1991, the Colton Area Museum has served as a community anchor for maintaining and preserving Colton’s rich history and cultural traditions. From buildings to sports stars, public safety to Colton High School, the CAMA Museum has established a wonderful legacy of displays and historical information that spurs the curiosity of just about everyone. Board Member Frank Acosta, who was unable to attend the ceremony, offered this explanation,“The Colton Area Museum is a cultural treasure that we must preserve for Colton’s current and future residents and visitors. The history of Colton is the history of its people - our collective history.”
In February, the museum celebrated its grand re-opening so now residents and visitors can take-in the “new look” museum. The traditions are clearly set but the visual presentation and displays are new, forward looking and represent a new era after being shuttered due to the pandemic. With a state-sponsored grant, the museum had the opportunity during the four years the museum was closed to give the building a face-lift. Some of the improvements included; New paint (inside and out), new displays, reader boards, video booth, raised platform, new flooring, new digital displays, video screens, and countless repairs.
On the programing level there is a new Board of Directors, a new lecture series, new policies for gift deeds/donations, membership, and new community activities. The overall goal is to make the museum representative of the entire community as a whole.
Built in 1908, the Colton Area Museum building was the brainchild of the Colton Women’s Club, who supported a charitable trust established by steel magnate and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who through his efforts enabled many communities across America to build public libraries. The formal name is the Carnegie Library Building. It served as a library for many decades, and is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places.
The CAMA Board appreciates the support of the Colton City Council who has once again recognized the museum programs with a proclamation honoring CAM Museum Day. “I’m proud that the City of Colton has taken the time to recognize the museum, and honor the achievements of the Museum Association, and its volunteers,” commented Board Member Mary Helen Betancourt. For more information about the museum and it programs, contact the Museum at 909-824-8814, or DrG at 909-213-3730.