Gold Discovery Park Association

I've spent a lifetime visiting Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park (MGDSHP) in Coloma, California.  When my wanderings brought me to live in El Dorado County ten years ago, the Park became a central location for my husband and me to hike, picnic, and bring visitors.  It wasn't so much that I'd been particularly interested in the Gold Rush or California history.  That came later.  Coloma has always been for me one of those destinations that once I arrive it feels like home, a reason to smile, no worries  . . . go figure.  I'll look for any excuse to just be there.

I remember one day realizing that we spent most of our time at the Park during the off hours - typically after work - and that meant we weren't paying use fees.  I felt badly about that, but not because I thought we were cheating . . . we weren't contributing.  So I went over on a day off and had a conversation with one of the rangers and joined the Gold Discovery Park Association (GDPA).  Now that was cool!  Membership came with a parking pass for the year, discount at the Mercantile, and a newsletter.  Hmmm . . .  I wondered if they ever needed volunteers . . .

Well, in 2004, I was invited to enroll in docent training.  That did it.  Marshall Gold is now stuck with me. At docent graduation I felt like I'd been handed the keys to the kingdom, the ability explore, be creative, and contribute to the ongoing preservation of this little gem of a town . . . . and if my friends aren't careful they all get recruited at some point for a special event or program.  My husband has learned to be knee-deep into a critical project at home or risk being sucked into the vortex of my "park projects" and ever-expanding closet of period clothing, accessories, books, and scripts.

Ok, that's what got me here . . . so why a blog? 

In docent training everyone is encouraged to consider participation in any number of programs - Saw Mill, Blacksmith, historic building interpretation, library and research, etc.  My choice was the Cemetery Committee focusing on preservation, interpretation and awareness of the two historic cemeteries in Coloma - Pioneer Cemetery and St. John's Cemetery.  We created a small performance group who research, script and perform vignettes about the lives of people buried there.  We put out the flags and crosses for Memorial and Veterans Days, document the condition of the cemeteries, and advocate for their preservation.  In addition to spending a great deal of time over the years photographing the condition of the cemeteries, I had been asked to work with another docent to photograph and catalog all the historic signage in the Park. This all led me to spend an increasing amount of time wandering throughout the park with my camera practicing what has become my newest passion - photography. 

When I'm out and about in the Park or cemeteries I have the opportunity to meet interesting people and experience mindful moments with the diverse inhabitants tucked away in the nooks and crannies of this beautiful little spot that for a few years, for better or for worse, was the center of the world.  I'm hoping that sharing these stories will encourage people to come here for the first time, and interest those who have been here before in returning to be curious about what is still here to be discovered.

Until next time  . . . .  I hope see you around the Park!