Royal Porter Putnam Exhibit/Ribbon Cutting

Come join us for the opening of a revealing new exhibit at the
Porterville Historical Museum. Collector and historian John McWilliams
will be sharing parts of his extensive collection of Porterville
memorabilia. Among the treasures housed in his “Porterville &
Southeastern Tulare County Historical Archive” are the personal
possessions of Royal Porter Putnam and his immediate family. This
includes our city founder’s Colt Revolver, desk, pocket watch and
other personal effects. Mrs. Putnam’s jewelry, opera glasses, gold
pencil and other items will be displayed. Porter’s business papers and
family photographs have been preserved as well, a portion of which
will be on view.
        Mr. McWilliams was able to acquire this important collection over the
past few years from the one remaining descendant of R. Porter Putnam.
John will be sharing these items and other early Porterville treasures
from his archive. The exhibit opens Tuesday, January 23d, 2018 and
will be on display until January of 2020. This marks the first time
that the Hodgson Room in the heart of our museum has seen a new
display since its creation in the 1960s. The showing of these
important items relating to our Wild West past will be of interest to
all ages. For further information feel free to call the curator of the
exhibit, John McWilliams at 310-7270.