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Sorden's donation will go a long way toward preserving Saratoga's history

By Shannon Burkey

For years the Saratoga Historical Foundation has worked tirelessly to keep the history of the city alive. This task is often daunting to an organization that receives no government funding.

But the foundation is now making history itself after receiving its largest donation since its inception in 1962, which will be used toward operational expenses for the museum.

Saratoga resident Jim Sorden made the donation estimated to be nearly $50,000 through the transfer of stocks, according to Chuck Schoppe, the historical foundation president.

"I was not aware of how poor funding is for the local history museum and historical society. They get no funding from anyone," Sorden said. "Here is something important that people care about, and I can be of help. This donation will ensure that the museum will prosper."

Sorden made the donation in the name of his father, Leland G. Sorden, who founded the first logging museum in the United States to preserve the history of the logging industry. The museum, located in Sorden's own history that could be lost fairly soon if we don't do a lot to preserve it," Sorden said.

In the past, the museum has had to rely on membership fees, private donations and sales of museum gifts and historical books to provide for its operational expenses. The museum also occasionally receives grants to fund specific projects. Recently, the museum received a $100,000 grant from Santa Clara County for the restoration of the historic McWilliams house that sits on the same property as the museum.

But, said Schoppe, "There are seldom any grants for operational expenses. So something earmarked just for operational expenses is great."

With recent funds low, the museum has had to cut back on operational expenses, such as the hours of its museum director, April Halberstadt. Halberstadt is responsible for archival work at the museum, aiding research and working with the museum's volunteers and educational chairperson. All other staff are volunteers.

Foundation board member Jack Mallory said the donation is something to be excited about, and without it some of Saratoga's history could have been lost.

"Jim's donation is especially needed as the museum funds are low, and there are several opportunities to save Saratoga history and artifacts that may be lost without a trained director," Mallory said.

Being a bit of a history buff, Sorden said he realizes the need to give back to the foundation and museum in order to preserve Saratoga's history, and he hopes others in the community will also realize the importance.

"History is very important to me and should be to other people; your past is important," Sorden said.