Sierra Historic Sites Association

For a quarter century, Bill and Laura Huddleson have been our trusted caretakers at Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park, where their friendly presence and genuine contribution have made our historic site feel like home to visitors from near and far. As they prepare for their next chapter in life, we're reaching out to our community to show our appreciation for their extraordinary service.

Over their 25 years as park caretakers, the Huddlesons have touched countless lives. Laura's passionate storytelling has brought local history alive for generations of visitors, from wide-eyed schoolchildren to fascinated adults. Bill's many repairs can be found at every corner of the park, preserving our historic buildings for future generations to enjoy.

Now it's our turn to give back. As Bill and Laura transition to retirement, they face significant health and relocation expenses. We're organizing this campaign to help ease their burden and show our gratitude for their decades of dedication to our community's heritage.

Your contribution will directly support:

Please join us in thanking Bill and Laura for their years of service by helping them begin this new chapter of their lives with dignity and security. Any amount you can give will make a difference.

Please join the Sierra Historic Sites Association (SHSA) in raising funds for our new Indigenous Communities Outdoor Exhibit Project in Oakhurst, California. This project honors the rich culture of the local indigenous community, both past and present, focusing on three tribes in the area: the Chukchansi, Mono, and Miwuk. The exhibit's centerpiece will be carved by the nationally acclaimed indigenous artist Alex Lewis (https://www.facebook.com/lxmakeshimfirst).

Our local indigenous community dates back thousands of years, so SHSA is working to honor their presence in the community by creating indoor and outdoor exhibits at Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park. We have acquired a 9 foot redwood log (seen above) from which Alex is carving his sculpture which depicts a local indigenous woman.

Alex is an extremely talented and dedicated artist. He has extensive experience with various sculpture and metal arts, from framing and delivering work to processing materials and creating pieces with a particular talent for bronze and woodworking mediums. Throughout his impressive artistic career, Alex has successfully completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico and a fellowship with the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts (SWAIA). He has amassed over 14 art awards and shown his work in over 25 exhibitions. You can find Alex's full CV here.

Alex wants the project to draw attention to the plight of indigenous women.

Please join us in raising $15,000 for this project. All funds received by SHSA will go directly to the Artist. Sizable donations will be recognized by inscribing donor names on a donation board next to the exhibit. Donation levels are as follows:

Bronze - $100

Silver - $250

Gold - $500

Platinum - $1,000

Thank you so kindly for your support.