Eastern California Museum

08/29/2026

The Eastern California Museum is pleased to announce an upcoming special presentation with author Robert Marks on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 1:00 – 3:00 PM.

Robert B. Marks is Emeritus Professor of History and Environmental Studies at Whittier College.

Marks served for 41 years researching and teaching how human societies and natural environments shape each other across time and geography.

His new book on the Mono Lake Basin applies this deep expertise to California’s Eastern Sierra, tracing 10,000 years of geological forces, Indigenous stewardship, water politics, and ecological restoration.

This special event will be held inside the Eastern California Museum, located at 155 N. Grant St. in Independence.

Marks’ presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session, and there will be time for a book signing at the end.

All are welcome to join, and there is no cost to attend.

For more information, call: 760-878-0258.

08/27/2026

Throwback Thursday
Because Bodie’s rocky soil was not suited for agriculture, teams of horses and mules were needed to bring food, wood, and as shown in this photo, hay for animals in Bodie. This team of 10 is pulling two wagons south on Main Street under the watchful eye of one man on horseback. Hay and other agriculture products were grown at nearby farms and ranches in California and Nevada. This team appears to have come into Bodie from the north, perhaps from a ranch down canyon. Notice the bells on the lead horses, which notify those sharing the road that the team is approaching.

No date is given, but power poles are visible, indicating that it is sometime after 1910 when Bodie began receiving electric power from the Jordan power plant near Lundy Canyon.

Photo courtesy of the Eastern California Museum.

California Museum

08/27/2026

Throwback Thursday
As school begins for many students, enjoy this image of the Mono Lake School showing students and some adults gathered for a photo. The date is unknown, but the first Mono Lake School was established in 1888. Miss Cushing, who is pictured here, was the fourth teacher at the school after its founding.

Unfortunately, we don’t have a clear direction for identification of the people in the photo, but the starting point may be on the right side: Ed Benedict (Postmaster), Alice Sylvester, Margaret Currie, Sadie DeChambeau, Francis Currie, George Dondero, Mabel McKnight, Miss Cushing, Guy and Neal Anderson, Albert Sylvester, Herb DeChambeau, Alma Anderson, Annie DeChambeau, Gertrude Nelson, and Nellie Anderson. Middle row: George Filosena, Lloyd Nelson, and Mary Filosena.

Readers, is there someone you recognize here?

Photo courtesy of the Eastern California Museum.

California Museum

08/23/2026

Our dearly departed friends at the Big Pine Cemetery District have asked us to spread the word that their popular "Heritage Walk" event has risen from the dead and will be welcoming history lovers of all ages to the Crocker Cemetery on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

If you have questions or would like to purchase a ticket (not punch your ticket, at least not yet...), please contact Rose at 760-938-2911.

08/15/2026

We are delighted to share a film created by our dear friend and frequent volunteer, Irene Reti. It follows naturalist-environmentalist Michael Prather as he leads a bird walk adventure on Owens Lake/Patsiata for the Owens Lake Bird Festival in 2026. Artist Robin L. Chandler graciously granted permission for her field sketches made during the bird walk to be included in this film.

This video was created in conjunction with a series of interviews with Mike Prather conducted by Irene Reti for the Eastern California Museum's Oral History Program.

Thank you to Irene, Mike, and Robin for your generous gift and for sharing it with the world!

Take a bird walk adventure led by naturalist-environmentalist Mike ...

08/10/2026

We are so excited to welcome railfans to the Eastern California Museum on Saturday, October 17, 2026 for "Independence Railroad Day"! Put it on your calendar now so you don't miss it!

08/06/2026

Friends, we welcome you to rest your weary bones on a brand new bench in the Mary DeDecker Native Plant Garden, which is maintained by the Bristlecone Chapter, CNPS. The funds for the bench were generously donated by Pam and Steve Holm, and Kevin Rainbolt very kindly assembled the bench for all to enjoy. A big THANK YOU to the Pam, Steve, and Kevin!

08/03/2026

Friends, our new virtual museum guide on the Bloomberg Connects app was featured on the 211 Inyo County blog! Read all about it here: https://211inyocounty.org/eastern-california-museum-launches-new-virtual-guide/

For those who don't know, 211 Inyo County assists local residents by connecting them with information and resources for shelter, health care, food, utilities, mental health, legal services, consumer protection, and more. Check it out!

07/24/2026

The Eastern California Museum is tickled pink to have been featured on Bishop Chamber Of Commerce blog! You can read all about the Cottonwood Charcoal Kilns and the world-famous Coyote Teeth Dentures...and then stop by the museum to see even more great artifacts!

07/19/2026

Author Bonnie Henderson is in the museum until noon signing copies of her brand new book about famous actress and creator of the Upside Down House in Lee Vining: Nellie Bly Baker O'Bryan!