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.
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.
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.
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: Betel Nut Containers
This former Mystery Object had a short run in our visitor poll. Guests selected it as soon as it was posted! These beautiful containers likely held seeds of the areca palm (Areca catechu), commonly referred to as betel nuts, in the large compartment and slaked lime in the smaller compartment.
Our 10th annual Caffeinate for a Cause was a huge success, thanks to our amazing community! On Thursday, September 22, Turtle Bay teamed up with local Dutch Bros. Coffee locations in Redding, Anderson, and Palo Cedro to raise money for the education programs, animals, and museum exhibitions that visitors look forward to when visiting the Park.
Today, everyone is dependent on forest plants to provide many of the raw materials for the manufactured products we use every day. Everything from lumber to paper to cancer treatments comes from our local forests. Now, imagine what it would be like to rely on local plants for not just food but nearly everything you to need to live and to thrive. Using Indigenous belongings from Turtle Bay’s Permanent Collection, this exhibition demonstrates how some of our local native plants are used to create the tools of everyday life.
It is with very heavy hearts that we let everyone know that we had to say goodbye to Inali, our grey fox yesterday. There will never be enough words to express our gratitude, admiration, or love we have had for Inali. She has given so much to education, the trainers, and to our guests. Our hearts are broken, but we will cherish the gifts she has given and remember her forever!
The Forest Adventure Playground is made possible by U.S. Bank from the Community Possible grant. This grant will support educational programs that allow children and families to play and create!
The time has come for the 7th West Coast Biennial Juried Art Exhibit! This Turtle Bay tradition is loved by many, and it wouldn’t be possible without your remarkable art submissions. We are asking artists like you to submit pieces of media that you think would make great additions to the 2023 Exhibition.
Artifact of the Month: Wintu Hairpin Replicas
In 1988, the Redding Museum Board of Directors commissioned Craig Bates to create several objects for educational purposes. He based his reproductions on actual indigenous belongings and photographs from museum collections and used authentic tools, materials, and designs as much as possible. How did Craig acquire such a skill?
Brews by the Bridge 2022 was one for the books! Rain or shine, we all brought our A-game! With all the admission ticket sales and beer tickets sold, we were able to raise a little over $57,000, surpassing our goal for this event! All the funds are going to Turtle Bay’s world-class exhibitions, animal care programs, and blossoming education programs.
Making memories has been the core of Turtle Bay Museum’s mission since it opened its doors in 2002 along the Sacramento River.
Twenty years later, the epicenter of science, art, history, and culture is celebrating a much-anticipated anniversary. While the museum went through initial growing pains, Turtle Bay continues to break attendance goals month after month.
