Eastern
California Museum
Preserving
Inyo County's Heritage |
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The
Museum
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Museum is in the background
with part of the collection of wagons in the foreground.
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Founded in 1928, the Eastern
California Museum features exhibits that reflect the diverse natural
and cultural heritage of Inyo county and the Owens Valley.
Unique exhibit topics include
the artistry of local Owens Valley Paiute and Shoshone Indians as demonstrated
through basketry and other crafts, and the story of Manzanar, the Japanese
American World War II Internment Center. The site of Manzanar also was
home of Indians for hundreds of years, and of the irrigation community
developed by George Chaffee in the early 1900s.
Also included on the museum grounds
is Remnants of an Abandoned Landscape --- a collection of historic
agricultural and mining implements used by early Inyo County Residents, and
equipment used during construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct.
The museum gift shop offers a wide
selection of educational material regarding Inyo County and the Eastern
Sierra.
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Also in Independence
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While visiting Independence, see the Slim Princes
Locomotive #18 in Dehy Park. A gift from southern Pacific
Railroad, the locomotive ran on 300 miles of track extending north
through the Owens Valley into Nevada.
Also located in Independence and operated by the Museum is the
Commander's House, an 1880's home built from lumber recycled from the
remains of Camp Independence, a military outpost established in 1862
(open seasonally for tours). |
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Museum Collections
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In addition to exhibits, the Eastern California Museum
offers resources for research including an historic photograph
collection, our Local history Files, transcripts from our Community Oral
History Program, and the Frank Parcher Memorial Library. Research
access is available by appointment. |
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General Information |
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Location
In Independence, the Eastern California Museum is located three
blocks west of U.S. highway 393 at 155 N. Grant Street |
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Hours
Open daily (except Tuesday) from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
closed Tuesdays and some major holidays. |
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Fees
The Eastern California Museum is operated by the County of
Inyo. there is no admission charge, but donations are
appreciated. |
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Tours
The museum can provide tours for schools or other special
groups. Please contact the Museum to make special
arrangements. |
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Nearby
The Manzanar National
Historic Site, operated by the National Park Service, is
located 5 miles south of independence on U.S. Highway 395. |
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Address
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Eastern California Museum
155 North Grant Street
P.O. Box 206
Independence, California 93526
(760) 878-0364 or 878-0258
The information on this page is from "Eastern
California Museum"
a publication of the Friends
of the Eastern California Museum. |
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Links to other Museum
Sites |
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Mojave River Valley
Museum |
