Free Admission Sunday at the County Museum

The San Bernardino County Museum invites one and all to spend Sunday, Nov. 6, exploring the history of the county’s Second District through a variety of photographic exhibits and an illustrated presentation, which will detail the story of a Native American tribe that settled in the Cajon Pass long before it became a gateway into Southern California.

During this free event, visitors will enjoy special exhibits along with displays of specimens and artifacts that interpret local history, anthropology, geology, paleontology, and biological sciences in regional context. Families can participate in Family Fun Day activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The special presentation on the Native American tribe is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. and is free.

“This is the second of our new series of free Sunday programming,” explained Museum Director Robert McKernan. “In August, we focused on our county’s First District. This time, we’re inviting visitors to take a closer look at the Second District: Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, and into the mountains from Mt. Baldy Village to Lake Gregory.”

“Our county museum holds the key to our past,” Second District Supervisor Paul Biane said. “I hope free special exhibits like this one help attract more visitors looking to rediscover our county’s rich and fascinating history.”

Adella Schroth, museum curator of anthropology, will give the illustrated presentation about the prehistory, history, and ethnography of the Muscupiabit, a Serrano Indian village once situated at the confluence of prehistoric trails in the Cajon Pass. Museum visitors also can view vintage photographic images of the Second District from the early 1900s throughout the day.

In addition, the museum’s education division and the Museum Youth Club will join with several public and private agencies to present “Pick a Perfect Pet” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This special program will introduce visitors to a wide variety of potential pets, from turtles to terriers. Animal experts will explain the benefits and challenges keeping many types of animals as pets, with a special focus on the kinds of families that are best suited to adopt and care for certain species. Children can create and take home a carefree pet rock. The Family Fun Day activities also are free.

Sunday, Nov. 6, is the last day visitors can see “First Weapons: The Art of Hunting Game,” a special exhibit in the Native American Traditions series sponsored in part by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. Another installment in the series –“Beaded Treasures” – is on display in the Hall of History.

The San Bernardino County Museum is located off the California Street exit on Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Everyone will be admitted free on Sunday, Nov. 6. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org or call (909) 307-2669 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462.

The San Bernardino County Museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is (909) 307-2669 ext. 229 / TDD/TTY: (909) 792-1462.