Merced County Courthouse Museum will open “Celebrating Pacheco State Park’s 25th Anniversary” on Thursday, June 23 at 5:00 p.m. It is a close look at the Park’s past, present, and future as well as the contributions of its stewards and naturalists. The story begins with the indigenous peoples, the earliest known caretakers of the region, through the times of Francisco Pacheco, the Californios, and ends with our current efforts to conserve Pacheco State Park. In addition to the creation of Pacheco State Park on the land bequeathed by Paula Fatjo (great-great-granddaughter of Pacheco), the exhibit highlights our natural ecosystems through scientific, literary, and creative works culminating with the introduction of contemporary public, private, and community organizations whose stewards enthusiastically engage with some of our newest naturalists. We will see the value of these rich, functioning partnerships as resources for engagement and meaningful connections. During the exhibit opening at 6:00 p.m., historian George Fohner will present a PowerPoint program titled “California’s Crossroad: Pacheco’s Pass to Paula’s Park.” For more information, please contact the Courthouse Museum at (209) 723-2401. Admission to the event is free.