The museum represents Great Basin Native American cultures. The museum contains the combined collections of H. Arden Edwards and subsequent owner and anthropology student Grace Oliver. The exhibits represent and interpret American Indian groups, both aboriginal and contemporary, of the Southwest, Great Basin and Californian cultural regions. A number of the artifacts on display are rare or one-of-a-kind items.
The museum was originally constructed by homesteader/artist H. Arden Edwards in 1928. The chalet-style structure was built over an entire rock formation of Piute Butte in the Mojave Desert. The unusual folk-art structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The museum offers the visitor a unique experience.
Location - Directions
The museum is located 19 miles east of the Antelope Valley Freeway (State Highway 14), at 15701 East Avenue M in Lancaster. Go East on Avenue K or Palmdale Boulevard and follow the signs to the museum. Or exit Pearblossom Highway (138) at 165th Street East and travel North.
Latitude/Longitude: 34.7506 / -118.3583
Next to the museum is a self-guided nature trail, a picnic area and an outdoor ceremonial arena. Occasionally guest Native American groups perform traditional dances and other programs. There is an annual opening event each fall featuring a traditional ground blessing ceremony. There are also Native American artists demonstrating and selling their work, Native American food, and special activities for children. The museum also sponsors periodic educational seminars.Demonstrations and Special Events
Joshua Cottage features a "touch table" room where everyone, regardless of age, can experience food grinding and processing techniques. Or you can learn how earlier Native American groups started fires using sticks or bow drills.