Tehachapi Museum and Errea House Museum celebrate 50 years on July 4th

The 4th of July is a reason to celebrate for many Americans, but this year the members of the Tehachapi Heritage League have an additional reason, it is the 50th birthday of the opening of Tehachapi's first museum.

The Heritage League was formed by a small, but dedicated group of people in early 1973. The purpose was to preserve the cultural, historic and natural resources of the Tehachapi area; to open and maintain a museum and to serve as an educational source for individuals, schools and other organizations. On July 4, 1973 the museum first opened its doors to the public. For nine years it was located on the site of the present Chamber of Commerce building.

When the museum outgrew that location in 1981, the displayed items and artifacts were moved to the present site, the former County Library.

In 1976, the Heritage League incorporated in the state of California as a nonprofit organization. The Heritage League is funded entirely through donations, grants and volunteer assistance.

On July 4th the Museum and Errea House Museum will be open from noon to 3 p.m. with birthday cake and lemonade served at 1 p.m. at the Errea House Museum, 311 S. Green Street. Tour the beautiful Errea Garden and visit the Museum across the street. There are several new exhibits at the museum. Both museums will be decorated for 4th of July.

From 3 to 5 p.m. all volunteers and past presidents of the Heritage League are invited to a BBQ in the Errea Garden. Please RSVP before June 25 to Judy Reynolds at [email protected], phone or text (661) 331-5626.

One of the most important parts of the Heritage League are our wonderful volunteers. As the director of the museum, I cannot thank those enough who came in to do the deep cleaning on May 25, or the many who set up, organized and helped with the yard sale, those who serve as docents or the many other tasks that often require help.

The museum belongs to all of us, I am merely the custodian. Without these volunteers I would not succeed.

Please visit the Museum on July 4th and celebrate our 50th birthday!