New book offers Modesto in “contemporary snapshot”

Just in time for the Modestans on your Christmas list comes “Touchstones: Life and Times of Modesto,” a new book commissioned by the McHenry Museum & Historical Society.

The book is available at the museum in downtown Modesto; a book signing will be held Nov. 30 with several of its contributors participating.

“Touchstones is a contemporary snapshot of the values, people, places, organizations and activities that make Modesto a unique, attractive and authentic California city; that contribute to its identity and quality of life and form the foundation of our community,” author/editor Ken White said in an email.

The hardbound book features essays, illustrations, stories, photographs and artwork aimed at capturing the lifestyle, heritage, culture, diversity and character of the city. The book also contains a sponsored section, “Sharing the Heritage,” which profiles businesses and institutions in Modesto.

Each of the book’s 26 chapters covers an important aspect of Modesto, offered by nearly 200 contributors, including writers, artists and photographers, White said.

“There are many common threads that unite this uncommon town. It is compassionate, inclusive and hopeful. It is a community,” White said. “It is our hope that ‘Touchstones: Life and Times of Modesto’ will change how we are viewed by highlighting the distinctive threads that make up this amazing tapestry we call home.”

“Touchstones” costs $40, with all sales benefiting the McHenry Museum and Historical Society. In addition to the book release later this month, it will be available at the Dickens Faire on Dec. 2 and Modesto Chamber of Commerce mixer on Dec. 7.

This story was originally published November 9, 2017 at 11:07 AM with the headline "New book offers Modesto in “contemporary snapshot”."