Merced County Courthouse Museum will open “Grazie America! From Italy to Merced County” exhibit on Thursday, March 16 at 5:00 p.m. Among the many ethnic groups that have built Merced County, Italian Americans have left their mark on the fertile soil of our valley. Focusing on the lives of the immigrants and their American-born children from 1855-1965, this exhibit explores their journey to America in a display titled “Country of Opportunity,” their farming experience in “County of Prosperity,” and their contributions in “Community of Possibility.” In addition to photos, maps, artifacts, and oral histories, it also features interactive multimedia presentations courtesy of MCOE. At the exhibit opening, a limited quantity of commemorative wine glasses will be distributed for welcome toasts. The event is free to the public. Transportation grants are available for school tours. A book based on the exhibit with about 130 family stories will be released in the summer. For more information, please contact the Courthouse Museum at 723-2401.