Sparkling and vibrant, these decorative beaded “whimsies” were likely handcrafted by members of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy of the Northeastern United States and Canada sometime between the middle 19th and early 20th centuries.
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, we're looking back at the Bicentennial of 1976 through a unique collection of commemorative product packaging. These everyday items offer a glimpse into a nationwide celebration that captured the spirit of an era.
Carved from a single piece of wood, this Makonde Tree of Life sculpture tells a story of family, unity, and generations intertwined. Now on exhibit for the first time, explore the story behind this extraordinary piece.
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.
