Reposted from Visalia Times-Delta

In a matter of 15 minutes, a group of vandals created a path of destruction through Tulare County's museum at Mooney Grove Park. 

Police are searching for the suspects who caused more than $5,000 in damage and days of clean up. The museums inside the park shuttered over the weekend to allow crews to secure doors, sweep glass and help police find the vandals. 

"We're greatly disappointed in this," said Mike Chrisman, president of Tulare County Historical Society. "We want folks to know we appreciate their support of the historical society, but activities like this are totally unacceptable in today's society." 

A burglar alarm sounded just after 8:30 p.m. on Friday and sent Visalia officers from across the city to the park on the southern tip of Visalia.  

Officers arrived and found someone had smashed windows and kicked in doors to the main museum. Police said the person entered the museum and continued to smash several glass display cases. 

The vandals then turned their attention to the village.

They damaged the Surprise School, Emken House, Record Building and Main Street Gallery. A reunion was held earlier this month to celebrate students who attended Surprise School.

The school was used through 1962.

The Tulare County Farm Labor and Agriculture Museum was untouched. While it's believed no items were taken, it could be a while before that's set in stone Clean up could take weeks or even months.

In the last several years, the museum had gotten a technological boost, though. A new security system armed with more than a dozen cameras could help police identify the people responsible.

Museum Curator Amy King said the museums have been vandalized in the past but no one has ever been arrested. Vandals have never gone to this extent, either.

Mooney Grove Park is among Tulare County’s most visited parks, according to Tulare County Treasure officials. The park not only preserves a slice of Tulare County’s past, it's home to one of the last Valley oak forests.

The museum houses one of the largest Native American basket collections in California as well as artifacts of the pioneer era, agriculture equipment, and restored homes, schools and buildings.

Those who wish to donate to the historical society's Museum Restoration Fund, which will be used to cover the cost of damages, can click here. 

Property Crimes Unit detectives are using clues gathered Friday night, but anyone with information is urged to call the Anonymous Tip-Line at 713-4738.

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