A simple hard hat becomes something extraordinary in this month’s Artifact of the Month. Transformed by timber faller Robert “Bob” Saari, this intricately engraved piece, “Thinning the Trees,” tells a story of craftsmanship and life in the logging industry.
See it on display at the Museum this April and cast your vote for what comes next.
This month’s Artifact of the Month features a beautiful watercolor of the Shurtleff House by Mabel Moores Frisbie. Built in 1851 by Gold Rush pioneer Dr. Benjamin Shurtleff, the home no longer stands — but Mabel’s painting preserves its grandeur and tells the story of life in early Shasta.
Discover more about the house, the Shurtleff family, and Mabel’s work.
Discover how a 1930s doll in Turtle Bay’s collection connects to a larger story of African American history, identity, and pioneering doll makers. From challenging stereotypes to inspiring generations, learn why this artifact is February’s Artifact of the Month.
It may be small, but this slot machine has a big story to tell. Learn how a once-illegal gambling device made its way into Turtle Bay’s Collection and what it reveals about the history of slot machines and gambling.
A simple hard hat becomes something extraordinary in this month’s Artifact of the Month. Transformed by timber faller Robert “Bob” Saari, this intricately engraved piece, “Thinning the Trees,” tells a story of craftsmanship and life in the logging industry.
See it on display at the Museum this April and cast your vote for what comes next.
This month’s Artifact of the Month features a beautiful watercolor of the Shurtleff House by Mabel Moores Frisbie. Built in 1851 by Gold Rush pioneer Dr. Benjamin Shurtleff, the home no longer stands — but Mabel’s painting preserves its grandeur and tells the story of life in early Shasta.
Discover more about the house, the Shurtleff family, and Mabel’s work.
Historic postcards offer tiny glimpses into the past—capturing places, people, and even everyday messages. This 1905 postcard of the Turtle Bay Sawmill reveals a time when postcards were the quickest way to stay in touch and when the mill itself was a defining feature of Redding’s riverside landscape. Discover the story behind this colorful piece of history and the once-bustling mill that shaped early Redding.
This month’s artifact—a hand-cut silhouette by artist A.H. Harrison—offers a fascinating glimpse into the Better Babies Exposition of the early 1900s. What began as an effort to promote children’s health reveals deeper stories of art, eugenics, and family history, and the enduring power of a single image to connect us to the past.
All of us at Turtle Bay are immensely grateful for the incredible presence of the many community members, supporters, and partners who attended our recent event, State of Turtle Bay. Lindsay Myers, President & CEO of Turtle Bay, brought our many attendees on an inspiring journey through the past, into the present, and onto the future of Turtle Bay Exploration Park.
Barbed wire might seem like just a nuisance in your backyard—or a handy tool to keep cattle from wandering—but its impact on America goes far beyond fences. From reshaping the open range of the West to affecting Indigenous lands, livestock management, and even military strategy, barbed wire earned the nickname “The Devil’s Rope.”
Discover how this simple invention changed the landscape, law, and history of the American West—and see why most of Shasta County is still considered open range.
At first glance, it’s a vintage sewing machine—but there’s so much more beneath the surface. Produced in 1919, this hand-crank Singer Model 128 is a symbol of the Industrial Revolution’s impact on daily life. It brought sewing into the home, launched mass production, and even played a role in shaping global labor trends.
This month’s featured artifact connects directly to our Discover Steampunk exhibition—bridging invention, imagination, and a bit of drama. Curious how? Read the full blog to learn more!
Step back to 1928 with July’s featured artifact of the month—a Brownie camera from Turtle Bay’s Permanent Collection! Developed by George Eastman, this compact, user-friendly camera made photography accessible to everyday people for the first time. Donated in 1974 (and still working at the time!), it's the perfect companion to our Discover Steampunk exhibition, where history meets imagination.
Read more on the blog and visit the Museum to see it in person!
