The Gustine Historical Society hosted a vibrant ceremony at the Al Goman Center in Schmidt Park on Sunday to unveil its long-anticipated historical mural. The mural, which spans 90 feet and captures pivotal moments in Gustine’s rich history, is now a permanent testament to the community’s dedication to preserving its legacy.

The project, first envisioned in 2016, was brought to life through a generous donation from the Matthew Fantazia estate and the tireless efforts of the Historical Society, its members, and artist Alexander Riddle, whose work exceeded all expectations.

“This is a project that’s been in the making since about 2016,” said Mary Ann Bloom, a longtime Historical Society member and President. “To have it come to fruition and actually have it on the wall is a miracle and a work of art. It really took a village and a lot of community support. Thanks to everyone involved, we now have a way to share Gustine’s history with children, adults, and old-timers alike.”

The mural features scenes of early settlers, local landmarks, and defining moments in Gustine’s development. It serves as both an artistic masterpiece and a visual storybook, inspiring residents to learn more about their community.

Riddle spoke at the ceremony, sharing her experience of working on the project and the challenges of weaving so much history into one cohesive piece.

“When I first met with the Historical Society, I asked them what they wanted the mural to depict,” Riddle explained. “I was expecting a single scene from old Gustine, but they had a much bigger story to tell. They handed me a stack of papers detailing everything from Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation heritage to the Fourth of July parade, Henry Miller’s legacy, and even the old fire engine.”

Riddle recounted the meticulous planning and revisions required to bring the vision to life. “We decided to organize it into eight ‘postcards,’ each representing a different era. It wasn’t easy, but it became clear that every piece of history they mentioned was essential to the story of Gustine.”

Riddle also spoke fondly of the support she received during the mural’s creation. “The community here is amazing. People would stop by to share stories, bring me cold drinks and snacks, and even ice cream. It made the process so special, and I could see why the Historical Society wanted to honor this town. Gustine has such a rich history, and it was an honor to help bring it to life for everyone to see.”

The unveiling ceremony drew praise from local leaders, including Gustine Mayor Pat Nagy, who commended the Historical Society for their dedication.

“Thank you all for coming out today. This is the Historical Society. This is history right here, and what a fabulous job,” Nagy said. “When they brought this to council, the whole council was all for a mural, but I think we all had in our mind maybe something different than this. I know I did. But when they brought this concept to us with the panels, I was blown away, as was the whole council. We fell in love with it immediately. It says Gustine, and it will be here for generations to come.

“It’s a great project,” Nagy continued. “The Historical Society has outdone themselves. They put this whole thing together from the very beginning, and they came up with a fabulous idea and found a fabulous artist to bring it to life. The result is this beautiful mural that tells the story of our town. I’d like to thank the Historical Society and all its members for their hard work. They did it from scratch and look at it.”

Community advocate and Gustine Recreation Director Tiffany Vitorino emphasized the importance of the mural for younger residents. “For a lot of younger people in town who might not know much about Gustine’s history, this mural is a perfect way to spark their curiosity. Seeing it every day might inspire them to learn more, visit the museum, or connect with their community’s roots.”

As attendees admired the mural and reflected on the stories it told, Historical Society members expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support. Judy Gandy highlighted the mural’s enduring value.

“This mural isn’t just art—it’s a bridge between the past and the future,” Gandy said. “It’s a way to celebrate where we’ve come from while inspiring pride in our community for generations to come.”

The mural is now open to the public at Schmidt Park’s Al Goman Center, where it will stand as a tribute to Gustine’s heritage and a source of inspiration for all who visit.