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.
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.
Saturday, April 12, 1997, Turtle Bay Exploration Park (Then Turtle Bay Museums and Arboretum on the River) opened its first new, post-merger attraction, Paul Bunyan’s Forest Camp. The free event launched the beginning of the Turtle Bay build-out and was the first public physical manifestation of the hard work of The Forest Museum, founded 14 years earlier. The camp also provided a gateway for public access to the Interpretive Forest planted in 1992/1993.
