interior of the museum of the sierra

Exhibits

Preserving Local Treasures

The Museum of the Sierra offers many fascinating and educational cultural displays, ranging from beautifully crafted Native American items to the early pioneers’ personal effects. Exhibits include logging, railroad, and hydroelectric power displays and more. Forestry information and many historical photos are also available.  The Central Sierra Historical Society is actively preserving local historical treasures as well as collecting the oral histories of area pioneers to inspire future generations to nurture a healthy resilient forest and community. 

A Museum Without Walls

The outdoor area includes many exhibits significant to the history of the Sierra Nevada, while offering a unique STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education experience for students.

Highlights:

  • A Fully functional steam donkey
  • A replica log flume
  • An antique Mac Truck from the 1920s
  • An original sawmill
  • A 100-year-old Caboose from SJ&E Railroad
  • A nature trail. Ask our friendly staff about the scavenger hunt!
  • A demonstration-only powerhouse on the grounds that was dedicated in 2013. This is the only running powerhouse in a museum setting anywhere in the world.

Culture and history

Indoor exhibits range from beautifully crafted Native American items to the early pioneers’ personal effects.

Highlights:

  • Interactive wildfire displays
  • Several native wildlife displays
  • A scale model of the Shaver Mill
  • Cross-section of a sinker log
  • Exact replica of the Shaver Lake Flume
  • Original Native American Baskets
  • An antique horse-drawn carriage
  • Native American tools
  • Pioneer clothing and items
  • A large collection of historical photographs
sunlight shining down on trees in the sierra

Our History

Founded in 1991, but its roots date back to the early 1980’s, when a group of individuals in the Central Sierra recognized the need for an organized effort to preserve the fast- disappearing history of the area.

In addition to the museum building, CSHS is actively preserving local historical treasures, such as a 1902 Dolbeer Steam Donkey, a 1912 caboose from the SJ&E Railroad, and a 1920 Mack Truck, as well as collecting the oral histories of area pioneers. The Sierra Voices series of lectures, field trips, and social events have helped to build educational programs. There is a demonstration-only powerhouse on the grounds that was dedicated in 2013. This is the only running powerhouse in a museum setting anywhere in the world. The gift shop at the museum provides adults’ and children’s books on California history, Native American culture, pioneer lives, natural history, wildlife, environmental issues facing the West, and recreational activities in the Sierra.