Friends of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum Interpretive Association

The Friends of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum Interpretive Association is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1982, with the mission to support and enhance the educational and interpretive programs of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum State Historic Park. This association is a cooperating organization with California State Parks, dedicated to exploring, preserving, and interpreting Native American artifacts, history, and culture.

Mission and Activities

The primary goal of the association is to assist in showcasing the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of Native American communities within the Great Basin, southern California, and the Southwest. The Antelope Valley Indian Museum itself is a unique structure built into the massive boulders of Piute Butte in the Mojave Desert, featuring ethnographic and archaeological treasures.

The association emphasizes the importance of contemporary Native American cultures, ensuring that Native communities are represented in the present tense rather than solely as historical entities. To achieve this, the organization includes Native American representatives on its board of directors and hosts annual celebrations that highlight modern Native American life.

Legal Status

The Friends of the Antelope Valley Indian Museum Interpretive Association is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which enables it to receive tax-deductible donations to support its mission and activities.

Impact

By supporting the Antelope Valley Indian Museum, the association contributes to educational programs and events that enhance the public's understanding and appreciation of Native American history and culture. The museum offers guided tours and special events throughout the year, making it an important educational resource for both the local community and visitors from further afield.

[1] https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=979 [2] https://joincsp.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=979 [3] https://www.favim.org [4] https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=632 [5] https://www.favim.org/donate