North Lake Tahoe Historical Society
Tahoe City, California
The North Lake Tahoe Historical Society was founded in 1969 and incorporated in 1971
by a group of concerned citizens who saw many of our landmark structures torn down in the 1960's to build condominium developments. Determined to preserve our local history, the non-profit, public benefit corporation dedicated itself to the study, preservation and interpretation of Lake Tahoe history. It's first major project was to preserve the Historic Gatekeeper's Cabin, then to rebuild the structure as a museum after it was destroyed by arson fire in 1978.
Since February, 1992, with the donation of the Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Collection, our mission has expanded to include the study, preservation and interpretation of these baskets, artifacts, and research library.
The Society maintains a historic park on the lake which was for hundreds of years a Washoe Indian campsite: the Gatekeeper's Cabin Museum; Watson Cabin Living Museum; Ellen Attardi Research Library and the Edmund S. Barnett Building/Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum.
- The Gatekeeper's Museum houses an eclectic collection of Lake Tahoe history, including photographic collections, oral histories and transcriptions, newspapers, court ledgers, maps and subdivisions, books, magazines, letters, clothing, artifacts and furniture.
- The Watson Cabin Living Museum is housed in a 1909 log cabin, listed on the National Register of Historical Homes as the oldest house, built on site, in Tahoe City. It is an example of how the pioneer families lived at the lake in the early years of the 20th century and it contains furnishings, kitchen appliances, toys, china, linens and decorations from the period of 1909 to 1930.
- The Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum houses a world-class collection of 800 Native American baskets representing tribes from the plains to the Southwest. West, Northwest Canada and Alaska: 100 Native American dolls; artifacts; examples of weaving materials and techniques and a comprehensive library of Native American Basketry and History.
Funding of the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society is provided by:
- Museum Gift Shop sales and donations
- Membership dues
- Financial donations and bequests
- Memorial Contributions
- Endowments
- Fund-raising events
- Such other activities as may be legal and appropriate to the spirit and purpose of the organization
North Lake Tahoe Historical Society
P. O. Box 6141
Tahoe City, CA 96145
(530) 583-1762
nlths@tahoecountry.com
North Lake Tahoe Historical Society | Gatekeeper's Museum | Watson Cabin
Indian Basket Museum | Membership Information
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