Historic healing practices of Yolo County come to life in a new exhibition on view at the Gibson House and Property in Woodland.
Herbal remedies across time and cultures are probed in this exploration of the healing relationship between plants and people. Historic artifacts and photographs from the Yolo County Historical Collection have been curated and interpreted for this special show.
The Yolo County Historical Collection is comprised of 11,000 objects dating from the 1830s to the 1930s. The collection includes textiles, agricultural equipment, paintings, archival materials, ephemera, photographs, archaeological items, tools, ceramics, household items, furniture, and personal items.
“Healing Histories is unique in its cross-cultural approach toward medicine and wellness. Since health has been on our minds lately, it seemed like the right time to look at how native people, pioneer doctors, and modern day pharmacists advanced medical care in the region.” said Iulia Bodeanu, Yolo County curator.
Healing Histories is co-curated by Bodeanu and Jullianne Nubla, UC Davis intern, and runs through December 3, 2021. A recorded preview is available at https://yoloarts.org/online-galleries/ and on social media, @YoloartsCA, throughout the exhibition’s run.
On April 14, Dr. Bob LaPerriere will present Gold Rush Medicine at YoloArts’ monthly Knowledge @ Noon series. He is expected to share the health concerns faced by those traveling to California for the Gold Rush and what common medical treatments were used. LaPerriere is a retired dermatologist, curator of the Sacramento County Medical Society History Museum, and active in the Sacramento history community.
Visitors to The Gibson House can also explore two Victorian parlors and the dining room. These three rooms have been updated and the dining room now reflects how the Gibson family might have inhabited the original 1850s farmhouse at the start of their pioneering journey in Yolo County.
COVID-19 restrictions are in place; and eight guests at a time are allowed in The Gibson House during regular open hours Thursdays, 2:30-5 p.m. Face coverings and social distancing are required.
For more information contact YoloArts, ya@yoloarts.org.