The Museum, which was
established in 1965, is housed in the old Southern Pacific depot constructed in
1913.
The Museum is a
historical walk throughout time: containing some of the region's finest
examples of Yokuts and other American Indian artifacts, items used by the first
pioneers and settlers to the region, and snapshots of various time periods
throughout the past 100 years. A large oil painting of a stagecoach
by a Porterville High School student dominates the main room. The
sizable collection of decorative arts and crafts include china, dolls, quilts,
and more. The museum also has a local reputation for its display of
trains, during the holiday season. And then of course, we have temporary
displays that alternate throughout the year.
Frank "Buck"
Shaffer is honored by an exhibit which features a life-size manikin and
memorabilia from his 37 years as director of the Porterville High School Band
and the Fabulous Studio Band. It is located in the Music Room.
A Military Mini-exhibit
is tucked in the old waiting arcade. It features memorabilia from those who
served our country from Civil War to the present day, but with the greater
emphasis on World War II.