FOR DECADES, VISITORS to The Edward-Dean Museum & Gardens in Cherry Valley have appreciated the lush grounds and the museum’s home-like atmosphere that provides a window into previous eras.
Founded by Edward Eberle and Dean Stout, the museum features late 16th to early 19th century European & Asian Decorative Arts that have been preserved with care. Staff and numerous volunteers have always worked hard on behalf of the museum, but the museum has benefitted from several major beautification projects in the last few years, and those efforts are ongoing.
“It is, as far as I’m concerned, the jewel in Riverside County,” said Amelia “Nancy” Hippert, President of the Friends of Edward-Dean Museum & Gardens, which supports the museum and helps protect and preserve its rare collection. “In terms of the improvements, we’re very fortunate that the county has stepped up to the plate and been able to put resources into improving the grounds and regular maintenance activities.”
Robin Hastings, Committee Chair for the Edward-Dean Museum & Gardens Gala, which was held in October, said the Board of Supervisors, county employees and numerous volunteers have worked hard for more than six years to make Edward-Dean a destination location. “It has been our goal and, actually the goal of the entire Board of Supervisors to renovate and rehabilitate what is the only museum owned by Riverside County,” she said. “From entryway lighting, gates and signage to adding formal English gardens, the dedicated staff, volunteers and Friends of the Library have worked tirelessly to rehabilitate and expand this one-of-a-kind facility.”
The museum’s impressive collection and beauty have drawn attention. Huell Howser, host of “California Gold,” one of the longest-running and most beloved television series about California ever produced, was the first to dub the Edward-Dean the “jewel of the county.”
Last year, the museum was completely renovated. Renovations included waterproofing, adding new lighting and new flooring, painting and completing renovations on a staircase. A concrete pad was also recently put into place that will allow businesses or other groups to throw large parties outside. A tent can easily be placed on top of the pad. “Now you can have a corporate event under the stars,” said Terri Bowen, Senior Marketing and Event Specialist/Assistant Museum Manager.
The Kay Ceniceros Cultural Arts Center has also been improved. Last year’s annual gala helped raise funds for a warming kitchen inside the center that can be used by caterers. The beauty of the grounds has helped increase demand for use during weddings and
other parties. Edward-Dean already has 24 weddings scheduled for next year and 94 events are on the books for 2010, including 64 weddings, Bowen said. Edward-Dean is home to rotating exhibits, free fall concerts, a Mother’s Day tea and many more events each year.
A few years ago, the Friends provided the resources for cleaning, repairing and preserving the museum’s Persian rugs. That was a $35,000 project. The group has also restored paintings and paid for repair work. A few years ago, the group paid for the services of a renowned appraisal company/auction house from Boston to appraise the museum’s collections.
“It’s just a very special place,” Hippert said of the museum. “It’s very near and dear to my heart.” The Friends are always looking for new members to help preserve the museum’s mission and help raise funds for beautification projects. Anyone interested in finding out more about the group can go to www.edward-deanmuseum.org.