Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park |
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Museum from southeast
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 Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
Location in California
Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Los Angeles County, California, United States |
| Nearest city | Lancaster, California |
| Area | 397 acres (161 ha) |
| Established | 1979 |
| Governing body | California Department of Parks and Recreation |
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Antelope Valley Indian Museum
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| Location | 15701 East Avenue M Lancaster, California |
| Built | 1928 |
| Architect | H. Arden Edwards Grace Oliver |
| NRHP reference No. | 87000509 |
| Added to NRHP | February 26, 1987 |
The Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park is a special state park in California, United States. It helps us learn about the cultures of Native American people. These groups came from the Great Basin area and nearby places. The park is located on the rural east side of the Antelope Valley in northern Los Angeles County, California.
The museum holds collections started by H. Arden Edwards and later added to by Grace Oliver. Grace Oliver was a student who studied anthropology (the study of human societies and cultures). The exhibits show us about Native American groups from the past and present. These groups come from the Southwest, Great Basin, and California areas. Many items on display are very special and unique.
The museum building was built in 1928 by an artist and homesteader named H. Arden Edwards. It's a unique building, like a chalet, built right on top of a rock formation called Piute Butte. This is in the Mojave Desert. This special building, which was once a home, is now on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important historical site.
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Fun Activities and Events
The museum offers many ways to learn and have fun. You can explore different parts of Native American culture.
Hands-On Learning at Joshua Cottage
At Joshua Cottage, there's a "touch table" room. Here, you can try grinding food, just like early Native Americans did. You can also learn how they started fires using sticks or special bow drills. It's a great way to experience history firsthand!
Exploring Outside the Museum
Outside the museum, you can walk a self-guided nature trail. There's also a picnic area where you can enjoy a meal. An outdoor ceremonial arena is sometimes used for special performances.
Special Gatherings and Demonstrations
Sometimes, Native American groups visit the museum to perform traditional dances. They also share other programs with visitors. Each fall, there's an annual opening event. It features a traditional ground blessing ceremony. You can also find Native American artists demonstrating and selling their work. There's often Native American food to try and special activities for kids. The museum also holds educational seminars from time to time.
