THE BYER-NAIL HOUSE Historical Museum
	MARCH 2004

by Kathy Leighton
Photos by Brad Shifflett

Do you know how many separate tasks it takes to maintain and develop even a small museum project? I know that I don't know either, because I realize from experience that it requires more tasks than I can imagine.

However many tasks are ultimately required, we've already done a lot of them in restoring the Byer-Nail House. We are exhibiting the house and property as a showcase for East Contra Costa County's rich and varied past.

PUTTING THE COOKIES ON THE LOWER SHELF
The museum is deliberately geared for a third-grade clientele, since third graders are mandated by law to study local history. Students from all 72 of the area's third-grade classes find the annual tour of The Byer-Nail House to be an interesting way of getting some direct exposure to the history of this area.

The house focuses on all of the East County communities Byron, Discovery Bay, Knightsen, Oakley, and Bethel Island.

The museum project is centered around the lovingly restored Byer-Nail House, which is itself a notable historical site, having been built when survivors of the 1849 Gold Rush were still around. Outbuildings around the museum display snapshots of our history. A large pole barn holds unsorted collections of machinery, vintage signs, and other historical artifacts.

I became involved in the project a dozen years ago. I remember during my first tour of the house that I was a little critical about how artifacts were organized and displayed. Now that I'm up to my ears in the project myself I look back on that day and am astounded by what a wonderful job had already been done in the house by that time.

EFFICIENCY THROUGH VOLUNTEERISM
The Byer-Nail House is operated by the East Contra Costa Historical Society. Mary Lou Klovee, the current  president, presides over a totally volunteer organization.

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