It can be mindboggling to think about the people who called Northern California home hundreds of years before us—nevermind thousands of years! However, looking back at our state’s history is an important thing that all of us should do from time to time. It’s a good thing our region of the state has done a pretty good job of preserving a lot of it. For instance, there’s a museum and ancient site that is dedicated to remembering the history of the Maidu people. The Maidu have occupied a certain region of Northern California for thousands of years, and learning about them is a must for anybody interested in our state’s history.
The next time you find yourself in Roseville, consider a visit to the Maidu Museum and Historical Site a must. This top-notch museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Maidu people and the ancient site showcases their past in a way that's bound to blow you away.
The museum itself is full of amazing information regarding the people who called this region home for thousands of years. The indoor displays are certainly impressive, and one of the museum's main highlights is the massive basket collection.
However, it's what you'll find outside and around the museum that is most fascinating. After all, this area is an actual ancient site and it's loaded with remnants of the Maidu's past.
An outside trail wanders through the area and gives visitors the opportunity to view lasting cultural landmarks. Along the trail you'll view hundreds of bedrock mortar holes and deeply carved petroglyphs.
If you get the chance, absolutely take the museum up on one of their tours. These tours are provided by educated individuals (some of them Maidu) who walk you through the grounds and explain the uses of the various local plants. For instance, some of these native plants were used to brush teeth or for healing wounds. It's a wonderful way to get an idea for who the Maidu actually were.
In some cases, you'll observe artifacts that the museum has reconstructed. This small hut represents the handmade dwellings the Maidu resided in during the summer. They were built to face the east to catch the riding sun and avoid the heat of the afternoon sun.
The Maidu Museum and Historic Site is a truly unique cultural haven. It's places like this that allow us to really understand Northern California's original residents, and it's a destination that should definitely be taken advantage of.
Check out the Maidu Museum at 1970 Johnson Ranch Dr, Roseville, CA 95661. They are open on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Did you know about this ancient site dedicated to Northern California’s Maidu people? This is such a fascinating place! If you love digging into our state’s history, be sure to check out our list of 11 Must-Visit Historical Landmarks In Northern California.
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