The mining industry’s major historic and present day contributions to the High Desert economy and culture are reflected here.

Seismograph: With the 1999 “Hector” earthquake, we can obtain facts about its strength and direction. The “earthquake barometer” hangs from the ceiling and moves in the same direction as the quake.  If you look closely you can see the design in the sand. Sometimes the design goes back and forth, sometimes in a circle or oval—always in the direction that the earth rocks.

Poisonous Reptiles: Do you know which is the most dangerous snake in this exhibit?  Surprisingly, it’s the baby snake,  It’s the most dangerous because he lets out all of his venom when he strikes.  An older snake knows to release the right amount to do the job, but the baby snake doesn’t

Ancient Worlds: You will not want to miss the opportunity to view the fabulous, collection of Ancient Mayan, Egyptian and Roman artifacts. With thanks to a local Apple Valley artist, you can trace the locations of their origins, on the map above the display.

 

As you enter our Indian Exhibit you are treated to a breath –taking view of the scenic High Desert as rendered by a long time High Desert artists.  You have the opportunity to view beautifully  handmade pottery and basket wares.

We have wonderful  replicas of the San Diego Mission and of the Yurok Indian Reservation made by a local 10 year old boy.

 

By using a little imagination, you can see for yourself how the Indians did so much with so little.  Just stop and think, how it must have been back then. No hardware stores, no retail stores, no grocery stores existed.  These are all necessities to us today.  It’s just overwhelming, that even with their hardships, the pride shines through in the detail taken to decorate these items made with clay, bushes, and weed, These are truly useful pieces of art.

Indian Tepee: Except for its size, this is an absolutely authentic Tepee, its’ exactly the way they were built 100 years ago. With the help of a local  full-blooded Indian this replication was made possible.  With this display you can easily visualize what an Indian village would have looked like many moons ago.

Religion in the High Desert: To enhance our High Desert education system we currently have a small display of the California missions.  You will be interested in learning about Father Garces and his role in history.

 

                 High Desert resident and collector Len Brewster donated these animals.  Aren’t they magnificent?

                 Compare the old Buffalo to the young Buffalo.  Notice the youngster’s horns, and how they look compared to the older ones.  Now just imagine how many battles this old Buffalo won to get those old gnarly horn.

                 In the collection of Caribou along the wall notice what marvelous antlers they have!  Can you guess what the large antlers are for?  Why would they need that extra little horn that runs down their nose? As you may or may not know the large antlers are for fighting,  The smaller one-the Great Sprit provided so they could brush away snow and find leaves to eat.

 

Most people today could not even recognize some of these tools.  For instance, the one in the middle, virtually every covered wagon had one  because there were so many uses for it.  The names are written on papers below the collection.  Ask members of your family if they recognize any of these.  In the old days there were no hardware stores.  If Great Grandpa needed a tool, he had to make it, which is why you see some strange looking tools in here.

 

Can you imagine cooking on this cast iron stove? How was it heated?  There was no electricity, and no gas!  This shows how dedicated, How about laundry using this old machine! Great Grandma was to take care of her whole family with such equipment as this.  She had to heat the iron that she used to iron the clothes on the top of the stove! 

                 How did she keep the ice box cold? Remember there was no electricity and nor ice cubes!  Our great grandparents would buy a big block of ice from the ice man, and that’s how they kept their food cold.

 

Notice the pump organ & player piano, with the foot pedal “pumps” , and the old fashioned radio.  I’m going to tell you something, you're not going to believe. In the old days your great grandparents and their family sat in their chairs in a circle and everybody WATCHED the radio!  Sit in your living room sometime with the TV on, and just listen with your eyes closed.  That would be what is was like back then.

 

This exhibit features George Air Force Base and American heroes of military history.  Here we honor the memory of    heroes of World War I, World War II, The Korean, Vietnam and Iraq Wars.

As you enter the Pioneers of the High Desert exhibit you instantly step back in time.  If you close your eyes you can imagine actually buying a ticket, jumping aboard this stage coach and going down an old dusty road atop this REAL Stagecoach over 100 years ago.  This coach was donated by the Apple Valley Inn,\It’s home was out in front of their establishment for many years.

                 Allow yourself time to meander through this section to enjoy tidbits of the High Desert History.  As you exit this section you can view a wonderful Earl Bascom display.  I’ll bet you didn’t know that right in Apple Valley, until just recently. Bascom was known as one of the world's greatest bucking bronco riders, these are saddles that he won in rodeos date back to 1935.  Mr. Bascom is a fine example that you're never too young or too old to do what’s in your heart, and soul. At the age  of 62 he completed his first work of art. This is a great example to never give up your dream. He then became a world famous artist.

 

As you enter this section you will have the chance to view the progression of the technology age.  An interesting item is the old fashioned camera.  Why is the 100 year old camera so big? As you progress with your tour you will have the chance to view many items that you may remember your parents or grandparents owning.

 

Lots to see and enjoy so come in for a visit.