By Abigail Power
This holiday season the ViewCrew was excited to talk with Jessica Flores, Cultural Services Program Manager for the City of Modesto, to learn more about the legacy of the McHenry Mansion, McHenry Museum, and new programs nad events lighting our city’s path for future generations. From historical holiday décor to unique programs for Modesto’s youth to engaging cultural events that expand reach across our region – let’s learn more about Jessica and our Modesto icons like the Mansion and Museum!
ModestoView: What is the overarching mission of the Cultural Services Program Manager role, and how does this position interact with Modesto icons like the McHenry Mansion and Museum?
Jessica Flores: As the Cultural Services Program Manager for the City of Modesto, I oversee all operations at the McHenry Museum and McHenry Mansion. The City owns and operates both facilities through the Historical Properties Division housed under the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department. We are a very small team of three running daily operations – myself, Event Coordinator, Laura Mesa, and Historical Properties Intern and NAGPRA Coordinator, Levi Johannsen. We also have two part time staff that support with programs and events. Our team is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history and culture of Stanislaus County through programs, events, exhibitions, and other opportunities designed to inspire and engage our community.
MV: How does your team decide which historical resources or local stories to highlight for the public in the Mansion and Museum’s programming?
JF: First and foremost, the Museum and Mansion are community spaces. We want everyone to feel a personal connection to at least one artifact on display or have a fond memory of attending an event, so I ask the community what they want to see highlighted and then build around the responses. It may seem like a simple answer, but historically, the museum industry has operated around the model of “we’ll tell you what you want to see.” The shift in the industry toward a participatory approach, asking people what they want and then working together to curate exhibits and events, empowers communities to actively contribute to local historical and cultural narratives. I started with the City in January 2024, and by implementing this approach, we’ve already seen an increase in community participation at both the Mansion and Museum.
MV: What recent projects or exhibits at the Mansion and Museum are you most proud of, and why?
JF: The part of my job that I’m most passionate about is community-based archiving and storytelling, and finding ways to open up the Museum to the community and invite them to tell their stories through exhibits and programs. Everyone that’s ever lived here has contributed in some way to our local history, and we can’t tell the complete story without as many people as possible contributing to it. So, I’m most proud of two things: my first exhibit here, The Legacy of Lowriding, which was curated in partnership with many members of the Lowrider community, and our most recent event, Between Two Worlds: Día de los Muertos Celebration, where community members created ofrendas to honor their loved ones.
MV: History is often a tough sell to the younger generations – especially in the age of social media and the internet. How do you ensure that events appeal to a wide range of ages and interests?
JF: This is something I think about constantly. How do we stay relevant and connected and how do we ensure all members of the community see value in historical and cultural preservation? To do this, I work with two groups of people in mind: those who are here today and those who will be here tomorrow. Most of our programs and events are designed for all ages. Whether it’s a young family looking to build lasting memories or older adults looking to stay active and engaged with the community, our facilities are spaces for lifelong learning.
But what about tweens, teens and young adults? Well, this is a critical audience for us, because they are the next generation of museum supporters and employees. They’re at a point where they can still develop deep personal connections to local history and also consider it as a professional path for their future. We started our Junior Docent program in July for exactly this reason. Participants range from middle school to college age and receive training at both the Mansion and Museum. They help with events, can give tours at the Mansion, and are about to begin training at the Museum on exhibition design, archive work, object handling and preservation. We take applications on a rolling basis – email museum@modestogov.com for more information.
MV: What’s your favorite piece in the Museum’s and Mansion’s collection—and what makes it special to you?
JF: We have thousands and thousands of artifacts and photos in our collection, so I have a few favorites. I’ll go with one that’s on display at the Mansion. It’s a little red book from the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Much of my undergraduate and graduate research work was grounded in the field of paranthropology or paranormal anthropology – specifically Victorian death and mourning customs and the Spiritualism movement as a mechanism for feminist advancement. The 1893 Chicago World’s Fair was a convergence of two of my historical interests that emerged through my work: early technologies developed by Nikola Tesla and their use in past and present paranormal research, and the life and crimes of H.H. Holmes, who you should know about if you’re a true crime fan.
MV: What exhibits at the Museum are coming up in the coming months and how can the public learn about new features so they don’t miss out on seeing them while they are on display?
JF: We have some incredible exhibitions lined up for 2026, and we’re very excited for our first one of the year, Writing Ourselves In, an oral history and art installation celebrating African American heritage in Modesto and Stanislaus County. On display January 30 – March 22, 2026.
MV: The Mansion and Museum are institutions shaped by many influential founders and leaders in the past 50+ years, how is that learned knowledge passed down to ensure longevity and continuity in its operations?
JF: Over the past five decades, both the McHenry Mansion and McHenry Museum have been shaped by dedicated City staff, volunteers, and community partners whose work preserved not only the physical structures, but also the stories, collections, and traditions that define them. Like every field, the museum world has experienced significant shifts in how we interpret history, engage audiences, and operate public institutions. Ensuring longevity requires that we honor what has been built while continuing to evolve alongside our community. The knowledge passed down from our founders and longtime stewards provides the framework for this balance. Their commitment to preservation, public access, and community service established the core principles we still rely on today. By studying their work—how they cared for collections, welcomed visitors, and championed local heritage—we gain the foundation we need to adapt our practices for the present. That historical understanding guides us as we introduce new programs, expand inclusivity, and embrace innovative ways to share Modesto’s story. I believe those early leaders worked hard to create spaces where our shared local history could be celebrated by all. They would be proud to know that we are continuing that legacy, preserving the spirit of their work even as we explore new approaches. We may change how we do things, but the values they established—preservation, education, and community connection—remain at the heart of everything we do.
MV: What upcoming events are you most excited about for the holiday season and into the New Year?
JF: October through December is basically our Superbowl Season at the Mansion and Museum. We’re heading into our final events of the year and they’re all exciting. On November 29th from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, we’re kicking off the season with our first Historical Properties Winter Festival. Taking place at the Mansion, Museum, and McClatchy Park. We’ll have activities, tours, carriage rides, and more. On December 6th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM we’re hosting our second Holidays Around the World program at the Museum. People of all ages are invited to learn about winter holidays celebrated around the world while participating in activities and making crafts. Our final event of the year is Candlelight Tours at the McHenry Mansion on December 20th and 21st from 5:30-7:30 PM. These special holiday tours lead guests through the beautifully decorated McHenry Mansion. With the magic of storytelling, costumed actors, music, and interactive elements, visitors are transported back in time for an evening to remember! Tickets will be available for sale beginning Monday, November 24th online at McHenryMansion.org or in person at the McHenry Mansion Visitor Center located at 924 15th Street.
Short list:
- Historical Properties Winter Festival – November 29th 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- McHenry Museum Holidays Around the World – December 6th 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- McHenry Mansion Candlelight Tours – December 20th and 21st 5:30 – 7:30 PM (Tickets required, $10 adults, $5 children 10 and under)
MV: If you had an unlimited budget, what special project or program would you like to consider?
JF: I would bring The Janet Lancaster History Center to fruition. Janet served as McHenry Museum’s volunteer archivist for many years, helping countless individuals with historical research. She was an incredible woman with an unmatched knowledge of local history, and her loss has had a profound impact on the community. We’re hoping to honor Janet’s passion for local history as we work toward establishing The Janet Lancaster History Center. The Center will be home to the Museum’s archive, a public research and classroom space, and a private staff workspace to allow for the proper preservation of our collection. An unlimited budget would mean we could make this plan a reality in the immediate future and provide access to historical documents, photographs, texts, and more to our community members. So far, about $14,000 has been raised for the project through generous community contributions.
MV: Lastly, a ModestoView classic interview finale: Beatles or Stones?
JF: Beatles. Mom’s influence.
To stay informed about Mansion and Museum events and exhibitions, follow @ModestoParksAndRec and @CityOfModesto on social media, visit Modestogov.com/3047, and pick up our Activity Guide or view it online. Emails can also be sent to Museum@modestogov.com to request a digital copy of our Cultural Services program brochure.
Those interested in getting involved or learning about ways to support our work can email museum@modestogov.com for more information.
