Photo of the Museum sign with the open flag flying.
We always offer FREE ADMISSION. Watch for the Open Sign and stop in for a visit.

Take a step back into history. The original trail from the 1800s runs right through the two-acre property, and four separate buildings house an extensive collection of items and photographs of historical significance to the area. The property is family- and pet-friendly and the buildings are handicapped accessible, so visitors and travelers of all ages and abilities will enjoy this educational “way station” stop on the way up or down the mountains.

Drive through the gate, over the hill, and park near the Barn. A docent volunteer will greet you, offer you a tour, or explain how to explore on your own.

You can make a quick stop or take your time. We hope you come back often.

 

This is a photo of the Kennedy Barn.
The Business and Research Office, Gift Shop, Restrooms, and a WiFi hotspot are here.

The Kennedy Barn was built by Hazel Kennedy and her son Patrick with lumber that was floated down from the Sugar Pine Lumber Mill. The Barn displays hundreds of historical items, artifacts, and photographs of everyday mountain life dating back to the original indigenous people, the exciting Gold Rush and Mining era, early pioneer ranching times in and around Coarsegold, and other items relating to the local area.

 

This is a photo of the old adobe building from the 1890s.
The Old Adobe is listed as a Point of Historical Interest by the State of California

This historic “packed adobe” is original to the property and was built with rocks and mud in the late 1890s. It served as a way station for freight wagons that brought supplies up the mountains from the valley. Today the Adobe displays antique furnishings and items typical of its rich history.

 

This is a photo of the old Picayne Schoolhouse used by local Indian children.
The Picayune School is a designated local Historical Landmark by Madera County

The Picayune School was used by the local Indian children from 1913-1956. It is the only one-room schoolhouse in the local mountain areas that is currently displayed as a school.  The schoolhouse is furnished with items dating to the period of its original use.

The picnic area next to the schoolhouse provides welcome shade on hot days in the foothills.

 

This is a photo of an old wooden building with a blacksmith sign on the front.
During special events, visitors are invited to watch a professional blacksmith at work.

The Blacksmith Shop is functional and was constructed by volunteers in 2012 with 100-year-old cedar planks salvaged from a barn on the Al Veater Ranch in Coarsegold.

 

This is a photograph of a typical Chuckchansi and Yokut Native American village. It shows two teepees made of cedar bark, a firepit and other structures for processing acorns.
This Native American Village is typical of the Chukchansi and Yokut people.

The Native American Village was re-created on the hill beside the Old Adobe by the Morris family in 2010. The site features two cedar bark teepees, 10 grinding holes, an acorn leaching table, a fire pit, and an acorn granary.

 

This is a photo of the Saloon.
The new Saloon adds to the old western atmosphere on the Museum grounds.

Constructed in 2022, the Old Time Saloon is a perfect backdrop for photos and offers a venue for serving drinks during special events.