Gail Tyler held the winning ticket drawn at the Northern Mariposa County History Center’s (NMCHC) Dec. 13 breakfast.

“I had all but forgotten I had purchased six tickets when the raffle sale began a few months ago, so I was totally surprised when my name was on the winning ticket,” said Tyler. “Wow, what a great surprise!”

The brand new five cubic foot freezer was delivered to Tyler’s home, and she plans on using her Rawhide Meat and Save Mart gift certificates to fill it up.

Karl Harla donated the freezer. Rawhide Meats in Jamestown and Save Mart, donated their gift certificates. Because of the donations, the Northern Mariposa County History Center’s year-end fund raiser netted the museum about $1,000, which helped narrow the 2009 operating deficit.

A $5,000 contribution honoring John and Ellen Fiske received in October, along with the prior donations received earlier in the year from the Mariposa chamber and the Coulterville Community Club, allowed construction to get underway on a new staircase to replace the old one built nearly 30 years ago when the museum opened its doors.

Also received in December was a contribution from the Coyote Howl board of directors that should allow the museum to end the year in the black.

NMCHC board president John Shimer notes that with costs continuing to increase, revenues are static and in some areas, shrinking. The amount of funds needed to be raised through new fund raising projects continues to grow.

“Next year we need to raise $17,000 over and above the amount we bring in from the monthly breakfasts and other ongoing events. This is substantially larger than in years past and we hope our members and community supporters will step forward and help us keep the history center’s doors open.”

The museum closes each January so that new displays can be set up and permanent exhibits refurbished. A grand reopening reception will take place on the first Saturday in February.

This year, it will be from 1 to 5 p.m. In addition to an assortment of hors d’oeuvres, several wineries will once again be offering a variety of wines to sample while the docents share knowledge about the new exhibits. Tickets are $15. Tyler will be staffing the office during January, so those interested can drop by or contact her at 878-3750, gail@coultervilllemuseum.o rg to get their tickets.

While the museum may be closed, the History Center breakfast will take place rain or shine on Sunday, Jan. 10 and Feb. 14 as it does on the second Sunday of every month.

The NMCHC was established as a charitable organization in 1976 with the history center opening to the public in 1980. Visited by tourists and history buffs, including international travelers from Europe, Asia and Australia, the various displays and photos provide an authentic glimpse of the life and times of the pioneers who helped settle the Coulterville-Greeley Hill area in the early 1800s and those who traveled west during the 1849 California Gold Rush. Memberships and volunteer opportunities are available.