Paul and Sandra Adelizi
It’s the end of an epoch at Fresno Flats for longtime volunteer and visionary Paul Adelizi as he stepped down recently from his role as President of the Sierra Historic Sites Association.
“I’ve appreciated my time as president of the association and am proud of what we have been able to accomplish over these past six years,” Adelizi shared.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the accomplishments of our new board and wish them luck in doing good things for the park and our community.”
Friends, board members and volunteers gathered for a party organized by volunteer Kathy Zingrich on June 28 at Mountain Oaks Restaurant in Oakhurst to celebrate Adelizi and his tenure.
“Some people leave behind a title,” said the nonprofit’s board member Juliette Vuillaume of Yosemite Foothills.
“Others leave behind a legacy. Paul has been a dedicated leader, historian, teacher, mentor, grant writer and advocate for preserving our local history.”
Adelizi had volunteered at Fresno Flats since 2017, served on the board of the historic sites association since 2020 and became its president in 2021.
“Throughout those years, his steady leadership has helped shape the future of our historic park in ways that many visitors may never fully realize,” Vuillaume said.
Under Adelizi Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park has both grown and been preserved.
“His grant writing efforts secured more than $400,000 over the past five years allowing projects that once seemed impossible to become reality.”
Those hard-won grants helped restore historic buildings, renovate and re-imagine the museum, create exhibits highlighting Native communities and the contributions of Chinese immigrants, establish partnerships with local tribes to create a beautiful Native garden and preserve the historic Thornberry Cabin at the Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad.
Adelizi and a loyal pack of volunteers helped digitize hundreds of Fresno Flats archival materials through California Revealed, facilitated oral histories and transformed the Silver Knob Cabin into a unique Airbnb experience that helps support the park’s future, Vuillaume said.
“Paul also understood that history comes alive through community. During his time as president, Fresno Flats grew through partnerships with organizations like MY Club, 4-H, scouting, Mountain Artisans Market and the Oakhurst Pétanque Club, creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect with history.”
Adelizi made unforgettable memories — among them the year he brought fish from his work with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to Heritage Day, giving visitors a hands-on learning experience they still talk about today.
“The remarkable thing about Paul is that he has never sought recognition. If anything, he’d rather shine the spotlight on everyone else.”
When honored at his appreciation luncheon, always-gracious Adelizi was quick to thank his wife Sandra who will remain on the board, past and incoming board members, volunteers and everyone who has worked alongside him.
“That’s simply who Paul is,” Vuillaume said. “Always reminding us that preserving history is a team effort.”
On the team as president of the Sierra Historic Sites Association is Timothy Breidenstein with a board of directors to include Sandra Adelizi, Arlene Bringhurst, Mike Depue, Dottie Farnandez, Rachael Snedecor and Vuillaume.
Paul Adelizi will serve in the role of Past President.
You’re invited
Friends at Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park in Oakhurst invite the community to an “Olde Fashioned Afternoon Tea,” in the museum on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 2-4 p.m. with sandwiches, scones, desserts and a raffle. Tickets are on Zeffy and from the park for $25 each and all proceeds benefit Fresno Flats. www.fresnoflats.org" class="autohyperlink">www.fresnoflats.org
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