By Cara Goger –
It’s been a while since we gathered in May with our visitors from the Smithsonian, and I wanted to share a quick update on everything that have been happening since then. There’s been quite a bit of movement, and it’s exciting to see connections taking shape across our community!
A few highlights:
Mariposa High School + Democracy in Dialogue and STEAM Schools of Distinction
The Smithsonian has been working closely with Mariposa County Unified School District, particularly Stephanie Bobman, who teaches CCAP history at Mariposa County High School, to bring the Democracy in Dialogue program to Mariposa students.
The program uses local stories, Smithsonian collections, and virtual exchanges with students in other communities to explore how our own communities fit into the larger American story. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect civics and history with students’ lived experiences and voices.
The Smithsonian invited a delegation of teachers and administrators from Mariposa County High School to participate in its new STEAM Schools of Distinction program. This initiative supports schools in developing a whole-school approach to integrating science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics, with an emphasis on sustainability. The team is developing a long-term strategic plan and building connections with educators and Smithsonian experts to strengthen learning opportunities for Mariposa students.
The Smithsonian sponsored trips to Washington, D.C., this summer for both Stephanie and the STEAM delegation, giving them opportunities to connect with colleagues from across the country and work directly with Smithsonian leaders. I’ve attached a photo of Stephanie in D.C. this summer as part of the 2026 Democracy in Dialogue cohort.
Yosemite Climbing Association/Climbing Museum
The Yosemite Climbing Association has also been working with the Smithsonian to explore a partnership connected to Yosemite Facelift. It’s exciting to see another local organization building a relationship with the Smithsonian and exploring new ways to connect its work with these national resources.
Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation + Smithsonian
The Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation is currently in conversation with the Smithsonian’s Sites and Affiliations Division about bringing an exhibition to Mariposa that would connect local history with the National Museum of the American Indian’s current exhibitions. This is an especially meaningful opportunity to explore how national resources might support local history and deepen understanding of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation’s story, priorities, and ongoing presence here in Mariposa County.
Community-based storytelling
And last but certainly not least, I’m continuing to work with Andy Mink, Director of the Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative, to secure funding for an ongoing, community-based storytelling project, building on the idea we discussed together in May. We are working earnestly on this fundraising effort and I’ll keep everyone looped in as things develop.
Also here is a link to the Smithsonian’s publication offering an overview of the Rural Initiative, which provides a broader picture of the work and its goals.
I’m so grateful to all of you for being part of this effort. Our May gathering helped open doors, and it’s exciting to see how those initial conversations are developing into real opportunities for our schools, cultural organizations, and community. Thank you for your ideas, connections, and continued enthusiasm. I look forward to sharing more as the work unfolds!
In service and with gratitude,
Cara
CARA GOGER
Executive Director
she/her/hers
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