A celebration of the Sierra Mountain Range

Founded in 1991 by the Central Sierra Historical Society, The Museum of the Sierra preserves the cultural and natural history of the Sierra Nevada through education and curation of historical artifacts and stories.

“Museums ought to be the center around which educational institutions should cluster, the storehouse whence they could draw the material examples and illustrations required on the lecture table and in the classroom.”
– J. Patton 1886

The Sierra Nevada is a Museum Without Walls.

Through our museum, enjoy a glimpse into the human and natural history of the foothill, forest and alpine ecospheres.

Additional Programs by The Central Sierra Historical Society

The Central Sierra Resiliency Fund

Empowering the local community to revitalize and thrive after the Creek Fire.

In September 2020, the Creek Fire raged through Central Sierra communities including the area surrounding Shaver Lake and Huntington Lake. In its wake, forested mountains were burned to charcoal sticks and many historic landmarks were decimated. The collective hope that our mountain communities will thrive for future generations has not been burnt by the Creek Fire. If anything, our hope has intensified. To empower our hope to become a reality, the Central Sierra Historical Society has established the Central Sierra Resiliency Fund to ensure that resources will be available to support future, collaborative efforts to respond to the most pressing needs. Your donation of any size will help make that hope a reality.

We invite you to learn more about the Central Sierra Resiliency Fund and give to restore what fire destroyed.

A Forest Without Trees

Visit our sister website A Forest Without Trees for a look at the historic tree die-off happening in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. As an historical society we felt an obligation to document what is happening in our forest. This video series, produced by Dr. John & Christine Boogaert and hosted by John R. Mount, Jr., takes viewers through a variety of interviews. We speak with homeowners, politicians, scientists, foresters, and more to get their opinions and thoughts on this historic event. This project was made possible with generous donations from PG&E, SCE, and the Garabedian Foundation.

I love the museum crafts and the arrowheads.

Ariana West

The PEP program’s Science and CA History activities have been a great addition to our school’s educational program. An amazing experience for students and teachers alike

Former Pine Ridge Elementary Superintendent. Tim McConnico

Sounds of the Central Sierra

Available for download FREE on Apple and Android devices

Experience the Musuem like never before!

This FREE app includes photos, interviews, live demonstrations of exhibits and more!

This was made possible from a grant from the Central valley Community Foundation and donations from our Annual June Dinner in 2016.

Plan your trip to visit The Museum of the Sierra

Available for download FREE on Apple and Android devices

Experience the Musuem like never before!

This FREE app includes photos, interviews, and live demonstrations of exhibits and more!

VISITORS

The Central Sierra Historical Society welcomes larger groups to call ahead to make arrangements for a free docent-led tour of our indoor and outdoor exhibits.

TEACHERS

The Central Sierra Historical Society and Museum promotes learning, understanding, diversity and creativity. History, math, science and more come to life through engagement with artifacts from our diverse region.