Julia Cronin
Artifact of the Month - Little Mendocino ...

Another Musuem mystery. Was Turtle Bay’s copy of Little Mendocino painted by Grace Hudson herself? Or is it one of many dozens of copies made by other artists? “The Game is Afoot”, as another famous Holmes would say.

Artifact of the Month - Little Mendocino Watercolor
Julia Cronin
Artifact of the Month - Tolima Gold Pendant ...

This miniature pendant replica represents the type and styling of gold objects that characterize the Tolima culture of central Colombia. A reproduction that accurately depicts a creation of inspiration from supernatural visions and nature. Often worn as a pendant, this piece captured an embellishing portrayal of a shaman being in an animal spirit form.

Artifact of the Month - Tolima Gold Pendant Reproduction
Julia Cronin
Artifact of the Month - Colt Navy Pistol and ...

Did a local lawman really tangle with Black Bart? Explore the history of M. F. Eldridge, Black Bart, and Samuel Colt and delve into the fascinating history of Gold Rush stamped holsters in the September Artifact of the Month by volunteer Bob Harris.

Artifact of the Month - Colt Navy Pistol and Gold Rush Holster
Amanda Kramp
Artifact of the Month - Vintage Quinua Ceramic

In 1984, a traditional Quinua ceramic figurine was purchased from a Valerie’s Choice catalog by the
Redding Museum of Art and History, one of the predecessors of Turtle Bay Exploration Park.

Artifact of the Month - Vintage Quinua Ceramic
Julia Cronin
Artifact of the Month: 5th Annual Sheriff’s ...

July’s Artifact of the Month is a souvenir program from the Fifth Annual Shasta County Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo in 1953. This sublime relic can teach us so much about what life was like back then.

Artifact of the Month: 5th Annual Sheriff’s Posse Rodeo Souvenir Program

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Artifact of the Month: Shasta County Court Documents

Artifact of the Month: Shasta County Court Documents

At first glance, these four pages may not seem too compelling, but there is more here than meets the eye! What appears to be a stack of personal notes, jotted down in old-fashioned cursive, are actually records from court cases related to miners and land claims. The cases were conducted in French Gulch in the late 1800’s. Legal documents like these offer a glimpse into 19th Century life while also providing insight into the local affairs of 1890.

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Artifact of the Month: 1940s Lucite Handbag

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Artifact of the Month: 1940s Lucite Handbag

One might argue that the handbag (purse, satchel, or just plain old bag) is probably one of the oldest hominid inventions. An animal bladder, a skin, a gourd, or even a really big leaf could be adapted as an effective way to carry our ever-increasing number of possessions. Over millennia, a relatively simple and practical way to carry stuff has been elevated to an art form and a status symbol accessory.

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Artifact of the Month: Match Safes

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Artifact of the Month: Match Safes

These mystery objects were on fire during February, overwhelmingly winning this month’s slot for Artifact of the Month! Some folks may have guessed that these little, metal boxes were lighters, which is not too far off since they are indeed associated with making fire. However, these diverse artifacts are all various types of match safes. 

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Artifact of the Month: Turkana Head Rest

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Artifact of the Month: Turkana Head Rest

This “mystery object” received an overwhelming number of votes in our visitor poll! A mystery no more, this head rest was accessioned into the Turtle Bay museum collection in 1978 with the description, “head rest from the Turkana culture of Northwestern Kenya; used to protect hairdos while sleeping and to keep bugs from getting into hair; carried with a sash worn around the waist and is sometimes used as a stool.” So, now you know!