KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – On July 24, 2011, the Lake County Historical Society, a nonprofit organization, opened the Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum to the public marking the beginning of what would become one of the most important educational and cultural sites in Lake County.

Through its displays, activities and collections, the stage stop offers the public a chance to step back in time, experiencing and learning about the region’s history, geography and culture.

In addition to free general public admission, the museum hosts regularly scheduled educational programs for local school children, community activities and provides facilities for large group gatherings such as family reunions, meetings, lectures, community fundraising events, weddings and training programs.

The stage stop operates and flourishes solely by donations of time and money.

Join the Ely docents and volunteers on Friday, Aug. 26, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Riviera Hills Restaurant & Lounge for a fundraiser round up Italian style.

Enjoy an evening of family, friends and fun as they raise a fork (and some funds) to complete the blacksmith shop.

Feast as the Italians do on a multi-course buffet of antipasto, primo, secondo, contorno and dolce. A no host bar will be available.

John Parker, Ph.D., will be the keynote speaker talking about an 1876 Lake County painting that was recently discovered in the Rothschild collection.

Opportunities to win raffle baskets and bid on silent and live auction items will round out the evening of fun. A boat tour of Anderson Marsh for six led by Parker is just one of the auction items that will be available.

Tickets for the feast and fun are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance by Monday, Aug. 15. Seating is limited, so purchase now. Stop by the museum during visitor hours and purchase them from the docents or call 707-279-0493.

Riviera Hills Restaurant & Lounge is located at 10200 Fairway Drive, Kelseyville. Please support the Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum, preserving Lake County’s past, present and future.

The museum is located at 9921 Highway 281 (Soda Bay Road) in Kelseyville, CA, near Clear Lake Riviera, just north of Highway 29-Kit's Corner. Current hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, check out www.elystagestop.org , www.lakecountyhistory.org ,  www.facebook.com/elystagestop or call the Ely message line at at 707-533-9990.