Paso Robles mayor tours local museums 

Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin, center, gathers with community members at the Camp Roberts Historical Museum, the first in a yearlong series of historical site visits under his new “Mayor’s Monthly Museum Tour” program. Photo by Meagan Friberg

Kicks off Mayor’s Monthly Museum Tours at Camp Roberts

–Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin hosted a group of community members at the Camp Roberts Historical Museum on Wednesday, the first in a yearlong series of historical site visits under his new “Mayor’s Monthly Museum Tour” program.

“There is a lot of value for us to preserve and promote our history and our museums,” said Martin. “I hope that we will see a lot of enthusiasm about that throughout this year as we visit one site each month and I invite everyone to join us.”

As Museum Chairman and Curator Gary McMaster led the group on a tour of the main museum and the annex, Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Bender and volunteer Tom Taylor answered questions and mingled with the guests, including Paso Robles Mayor Pro Tem Fred Strong.

Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Bender, Paso Robles Mayor Pro Tem Fred Strong, Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin, and Museum Chairman and Curator Gary McMaster, pictured left to right, gathering together at the Camp Roberts Historical Museum to lead a group of community members on a tour of the historical site. Photo by Meagan Friberg.

Although not his first visit to the Camp Roberts Historical Museum, it was still a learning experience for Mayor Martin. One of his favorite rooms showcases the Wall of Fame, dedicated to the many celebrities that have trained and/or performed at Camp Roberts, including Red Skelton, Robert Mitchum, Bob Newhart, Steve Allen, and Tom Selleck.

“Camp Roberts is the perfect place to kick off our monthly tours,” said Martin. “It just amazing what they have put together here at the museum and I would encourage anyone that has not visited to come out. And for those that have visited in the past, please come back – they are always adding new items to the exhibits.”

Santa Margarita residents Jackie Brenchley and Diane Tate said they often drive past Camp Roberts on their travels up north, but had never stopped by the museum. When they learned about the Mayor’s scheduled tour, they were eager to join in on the historical visit.

“My stepfather, cousin, and uncle all trained here during different wartimes,” said Brenchley, “so it was interesting for me to come out and learn more about the history of Camp Roberts.”

Tate said, “I am glad we came out here today – it was fun, interesting, and well-worth the visit. We hope to come out to all of the museums during each month of the Mayor’s tours.”

Camp Roberts Museum Chairman and Curator Gary McMaster, center, shares local history with Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin and community members. Photo by Meagan Friberg

Martin said it’s important to highlight the historical museum sites of SLO County for several reasons: to recognize those that have dedicated their time and efforts to preserving local history and help them promote their museums; the various historical sites appeal to a large segment of travelers and give them another reason to visit the area; and appreciate the value of preserving history and keeping it alive for area’s youth.

“I’d like to see families and the schools take young people to these museums so they will be able to realize how this area come to be, learn more about the people that came before them, and get a real context and perspective on where they live,” said Martin.

More about Camp Roberts Historical Museum

The Camp Roberts Historical Museum is the largest Army museum in California. Located on Camp Roberts off of Highway 101, its numerous exhibits, displays, and historic vehicle are featured in and around the Main Museum and the Museum Annex. Free admission; open Thursdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Access to Camp Roberts requires an active or retired military ID card or a visitor pass; bring driver’s license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance. For more information, call (805) 238-8288 or see www.camprobertshistoricalmuseum.com.

More about the Mayor’s Monthly Museum Tours

The “Mayor’s Monthly Museum Tours” were announced at a meeting with members of the North County Historical Co-op (NCHC), comprised of the Paso Robles Pioneer Museum, the Paso Robles Historical Society in the Carnegie Library, the Camp Roberts Historical Museum, the Colony House Museum in Atascadero, the Santa Margarita Historical Society, the Templeton Historical Society and Museum, the Cayucos Historical Society, the Rios-Caledonia Adobe in San Miguel, the Mission San Miguel de Archangel, the Estrella Warbird Museum and the Cambria Historical Society and Museum.

Join Paso Robles Mayor Steve Martin throughout 2016 on his “Mayor’s Monthly Museum Tours.” Geared to publicize local history venues and increase attendance, the tours are set to take place the second Wednesday of each month at 10 a.m. For information on each museum, see www.nslohistory.org.

Feb. 10 – Pioneer Museum
March 9 – Templeton Historical Society
April 13 – Estrella Warbirds
May 11 – Paso Robles Historical Society
June 8 – Mission San Miguel
July 13 – Atascadero Historical Society
Aug. 10 – Cambria Historical Society
Sept. 14 – Santa Margarita Historical Society
Oct. 12 – Rios-Caledonia Adobe
Nov. 9 – Cayucos Historical Society