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.
The night sky has fascinated me since I was a young boy. My father was an amateur astronomer who built his own telescopes in the basement, and I remember watching him with awe. One night when I was only seven years old, my father set up a telescope to view Saturn, and I peered through the eyepiece to see the planet. Even though it appeared so tiny, that moment left a lasting impression on me.
International Museum Day is yet another opportunity for Turtle Bay to connect with our community and celebrate the value that our museum brings to people of all ages and walks of life. Our mission is to inspire wonder, exploration, and appreciation of our world. We envision Turtle Bay as a vibrant gathering place where our community is strengthened through education, cultural engagement, and economic growth.
This month’s volunteer spotlight is Julia Nikodem! Julia has been volunteering in the Animal Care Department since the summer of 2019, with a total of 1,000+ hours of hard work and dedication to Turtle Bay! Learn more about Julia’s passion for our animals and how her experience as a volunteer has influenced her future career path.
Would you use this gas-powered contraption to do your weekly ironing? You are probably familiar with the Coleman name and may have used one of their many gas-powered products, such as a grill or lantern. Coleman started their company in 1900, selling gas lanterns, and branched out from there. They produced gas irons like this one from 1924 until 1982. This Model No. 4 Coleman Gasoline Clothes Iron was sold between 1929 and 1932.
We are excited to spotlight another one of our Wonder-full Turtle Bay volunteers, Rose Dorsey! Rose is recognized by many staff members, Park guests, and the community for her upbeat attitude and positive mindset. Learn more about Rose’s experiences in the Exhibits & Collections department and the many benefits that she shares of volunteering at Turtle Bay.
When you first look at the old-fashioned figures sketched in caricature form, not much stands out. It appears to be a simple scene. However, it’s the title of the print that draws you in and makes you wonder. Learn more about the background of the Daumier Print in our April Artifact of the Month blog.
We take ten weeks between the end of our winter programming and the start of rehearsal week to proceed through this training process. In April, we open it up for our guests in our Open Training Sessions. We open the theater for any guests to come and observe us train and watch the progress of the animals. It’s a time to get a glimpse into how it all comes together!
Turtle Bay recently lost a dear friend and a generous founder/supporter, Sherrill Bambauer.
Sherrill was a vibrant example of how philanthropy can positively impact a community. As a founding member of Turtle Bay, Sherrill (with her late husband Dennis) was key to making the Park a reality! With a teaching background, both Bambauers championed a commitment to the education of children, which Sherrill steadfastly continued after Dennis’ death.
Another Turtle Bay Auction is in the books! This past weekend, the community gathered at the Redding Civic Auditorium with bright lights, delicious food and drink, and of course, one-of-a-kind auction items. From the flashy costumes and upbeat music to the overwhelming support during our silent and live auctions, we could not have dreamt of a better DISCO Wonderland!
Last Friday, we had the honor of being a part of the ultimate surprise for five-year-old Brayden McQuillan. At just five months old, Brayden underwent a heart transplant after being born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, an improper development of the left side of the heart. After enduring such a life-threatening condition, the Make-A-Wish Foundation wanted to create a spark of excitement for Brayden and his family.
Our ancestors wore animal furs and skins for millennia. Before we figured out how to make plant-based textiles and then create modern synthetic gear that outperforms natural materials – and comes with its drawbacks, we were entirely dependent on animal resources to stay warm and dry. Today, many people still wear leather. In the 1980s and ‘90s, exotic skins and furs fell out of favor as people embraced animal rights. This grassroots movement helped change both minds and laws. The United Kingdom banned fur farming at the beginning of the 21st century but still allows imports. In 2019, California passed a state-wide ban on manufacturing and selling new fur products. The past five years have seen major international retailers pledge to remove products made from fur or endangered species from their offerings.
This hair corsage was made after 1890 out of hair from Louisa (1848 -1939) and Christian (1821 -1906) Lemm’s ten sons. Christian immigrated from Germany in 1848, and Louisa, also of German heritage, was born in Buffalo, New York. They met and married in Chico in 1865. The Lemm Family moved to Shasta County in 1884 and purchased 1,145 acres on North Cow Creek at Salt Creek in what is now Bella Vista. They established a horse and cattle ranch and a stopover for weary travelers on the wagon road that is now Highway 299. The Lemms were a typical hard-working late 19th and early 20th-century ranching and farming family in Northern California. Their home was practical, but they also enjoyed the Victorian styles and décor of the day, including this corsage.
The Plant of the Month for September is chosen by Samantha Long, one of Turtle Bay’s Gardeners at the Botanical Gardens. Sam likes that our native Coffeeberry shrubs are extremely versatile; they are evergreen and can be very dense but still have a lot of movement to them. She cites that they are also drought-tolerant and have a round berry (black when completely ripe) that looks just like the berry of a coffee plant.
The Mosaic Gallery is a space that allows local artists to showcase their works to our community and traveling visitors to the Sheraton Redding Hotel. The hallway connecting Mosaic Restaurant to the Sheraton Redding Hotel is currently filled with the artwork of Teri Strong, a classically trained artist based in Redding, CA.
