We, the Hanford Carnegie Museum, Inc., have been existing for over 45 years (since 1979) and have inventory and significant articles pertaining to the city of Hanford and Kings County. Our materials date back to the early 1800s and even earlier. We have faced major challenges, particularly during the pandemic, which severely impacted our finances and community support. During this time, we request
ed a loan from the city to cover our insurance costs which rose significantly during the pandemic, but that request was denied. As a result, we were evicted from the Old Carnegie Library by the city, even though we held a lease until 2031. The city required us to remove all our possessions, and we complied. Amid these difficulties, rumors have circulated on Facebook, with some individuals spreading misinformation that has been persistently recirculated. Our dedicated board members have experienced harassment and threats, including unsettling visits to their homes. This behavior is unacceptable and seems to reflect the dynamics of small-town life, where some find it amusing to exacerbate community tensions. Despite the online harassment and personal challenges, our committed board members continue to dream of finding a suitable location. We are currently focused on sorting and archiving our materials, although we are hindered by a limited number of volunteers and financial resources. Regardless of these obstacles, we remain dedicated to preserving the history of Hanford, California.
