Visit Malki Museum To Celebrate The Unique History And Beautiful Traditions Of This Southern California Native American Tribe
This museum is fascinating in many ways. It bursts with history and cultural awareness and acts as an education center for natives and non-natives. Malki Museum opened its doors in 1964 and is the first non-profit museum founded by Native Americans on a California Indian reservation.
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Located via Malki Road through the guard gate, Malki Museum operates Tuesday through Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors must present an ID at the front gate upon arrival and respect the rules of the museum since it is a cultural haven housing sacred pieces of history.
The museum collects and displays artifacts, artworks, and historical items of the indigenous tribes of the San Gorgonio Pass Area. Its primary focus is preserving the traditions, history, and impact of the Cahuilla tribe and other tribes in Southern California.
Touring this SoCal gem will take you to the Temalpakh Ethnobotanical Garden - a recreation of a traditional Cahuilla home garden, which houses native plants that were used for food, medicine, and housing. There is more to discover, including fascinating artifacts.
The permanent exhibits at Malki Museum provide a glimpse into life as it was for the native tribes of Southern California. The various artifacts on display include pottery, baskets, and a variety of preserved tools. Look out for the temporary exhibits, too!
Malki Museum is also known for its commitment to creating educational projects and hosting annual events that are relevant to its mission. Notable are the Cahuilla language program, Agave Harvest and Roast, Kewet, Bird Dance Gathering, and Fall Gathering.
Since education is at the heart of this museum, it should be no surprise that it boasts an academic publishing press, founded in 1965. The museum has published books on Native American culture, including the remarkable Great Basin Anthropology and the Journal of California.
Before you wrap up your tour, make sure to pass by the museum store for information packets, literary items, native foods, and more! If you have visited Malki Museum, tell us one thing that stood out to you in the comment section!
Address: Malki Museum Inc, 11795 Malki Road, Banning, CA 92220, USA
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