The Rao Museunuru M. D. Museum and Library is now closed, at least through the end of August because of ongoing renovation. We’ll keep you posted on our progress.

We had a standing-room-only turnout for Bob Langford’s presentation about the Hacienda Hotel today (Aug. 10). A distinguished guest was New Port Richey Mayor Rob Marlowe.

Everyone is welcome to attend a presentation by Bob Langford on the history and current status of the Hacienda Hotel, including pictures taken inside the building this week. There is no charge for admission. The presentation is at 1 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 10) at the museum in Sims Park. MORE NEWS: Because we are doing renovations to the interior of the building and many of our displays are not available, the museum will be ***CLOSED*** until Sept. 6. The Sunday in the Park event in our front yard WILL take place on 8/ 11.

Thanks to Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano, who has designated the West Pasco Historical Society (New Port Richey) and the Pioneer Florida Museum (Dade City) as the joint charities of the month at the tax collector’s offices during August. Taxpayers during August will see flyers describing the activities of both organizations and have an easy way to check off a contribution if they wish. More information is here.

The Rao Musunuru M. D. Museum and Library in Sims Park will be ***CLOSED*** this weekend (Aug. 2-4) because of construction.

On Saturday, Aug. 10, Bob Langford, President of the Friends of the Hacienda and Historic New Port Richey, will do a presentation on the history and renovation progress of the Hacienda Hotel at 1 p.m.

Join us for “Sunday in the City” on Aug. 11, from noon to 5. Artists and activities will be in our front yard.

Volunteers worked at the museum this morning (7/27), as we are making major improvements to the building and our displays over the next several months. Thanks so much to all of our great volunteers! Pictured are: Rick Mascia, Lou Galambos, Steve Meyers, Rady Goucher, Bob Potter, Tracy Potter, Kirk Williams, Jerry Hodges, and Museum Curator Brian Schmit. Not pictured: Al Couture, who was not present when the picture was taken. The museum is open this weekend, 1-4 both Saturday and Sunday, but there is no admission charge as not all displays are currently available.

WPHS Curator Brian Schmit went to the Florida State Bureau of Archaeological Research in Tallahassee yesterday (7/24). He was able to acquire 25 prehistoric artifacts on loan for the museum. The artifacts date back 10,000 years and were discovered by Hudson resident Herb Elliott. The archaeologists were delighted that the artifacts were going back to their home in Pasco County. The stone lithics will be showcased in our new Native American display opening at the end of August. Pictured with Brian are archeologists Marie Prentice and Dr. Sam Wilford.

WPHS Museum Curator Brian Schmit was happy to receive a donation on July 8, 2019, from Mary Ann Sarazen, who is Gene Sarazen’s daughter. Gene Sarazen, a famous golfer of the 1920s and 1930s, owned a home on the Cotee River in New Port Richey. The items donated include Gene’s hat, a pair of his knickers, and an Earl Benham jacket he owned. Brian is holding an autographed picture of Thomas Meighan, signed by him with a note to Gene Sarazen and his wife. There is also a photo of Sarazen and Meighan together while golfing probably in New Port Richey. The Sarazen articles will be displayed as part of the exhibit redevelopment project at the museum scheduled for this fall.

The printed June 2019 newsletter was mailed to our members on June 24. You can view the newsletter on line here.

Our volunteers at the museum on June 23, 2019, were Bette Conde, Stephanie Kleemichen, George Kalfas, and Sheila Fecenko. Incidentally, Bette Conde claims to be named for the actress Bette Davis, and that could account for her dramatic appearance.