THE MARIPOSA MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER HAS A WIDE SELECTION OF ITEMS AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN ITS GIFT SHOP. Anyone who wants to buy fine gold jewelry, historical maps and books, or Gold Rush memorabilia, can shop the Mariposa Museum and History Center gift shop for all these items and more.

“I’ve lived here for many years, yet I wasn’t aware until recently that our very own museum housed a gift shop – or that it offered such a variety of reasonably priced, quality merchandise. It’s a perfect place to find unique Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, while supporting a local nonprofit at the same time” attests Mariposa resident, Ellie Fournier.

Shoppers can find items created by local artisans such as distinctive handsewn jewelry bags, elegant beaded necklaces and chokers, stunning hand-painted gourds, and clever metal tools hand-forged by resident blacksmith. Attractively priced Huell Howser DVDs, authentic gold rush music CDs, assorted gem stones, real gold keepsakes, and a wide collection of thoughtfully-selected children and adult non-fiction books are available.

The Mariposa Museum and History Center is located at 5119 Jessie Street, next to the visitor’s rest stop parking area in town. Museum members receive a 10 percent discount on all purchases, and VISA/Mastercard is accepted.

The museum is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. For information, call 966-2924.