Imperial County, California - Today, Imperial County Supervisor Jack Terrazas, along with County Executive Office staff, visited the Imperial Valley Desert Museum  (IVDM) to witness the finish of two exhibits the County funded, titled the Welcome and Visitors Service Area and the Power of Imperial County. 

“I am pleasantly surprised by the work that the staff of the Imperial Valley Desert Museum has done and that they are nearing completion. The interactive modules that they have in place are impressive, especially that they have the ability to update or change them to different themes or topics,” said District 2 Supervisor Jack Terrazas.  “The museum is a great informational resource for individuals who want to know more about the history of Imperial County.”

On September 16, 2014, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors voted to fund two components of an overall redesign at the IVDM.  The two exhibits are meant to provide museum visitor information and historical background on the natural transition of the landscape of Imperial County over the last 9 million years.  The Welcome and Visitors Service Area is a reception area for IVDM visitors as they enter the facility.  At the reception area, visitors can receive information regarding places to eat, things to see, and other tourist information.  The Power of Imperial County exhibit contains short media presentations about the resources of Imperial County, including statistics on farming, renewable energy production, and natural history of the environment.

The IVDM is currently undergoing a three-phase renovation project that started with the concept design of a permanent exhibit in August 2013 and has completed two out of the three phases.  According to the IVDM Executive Director, Neal Hitch, the renovations are about 75% complete.

The two exhibits sponsored by the County of Imperial were part of the second phase of the overall redesign.  The IVDM is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.