The museum as a network of learning and fun
Last Saturday was the annual membership meeting of the Imperial Valley Desert Museum in Ocotillo, not a dull event. We were led into one of the larger spaces of the museum where Claire Deng and Luis Landeros have been constructing display walls for a new 2023 exhibit, Kumeyaay Cosmology. For the Kumeyaay, the universe exists as the skyworld, the earth, and the underworld. “Individuals attuned to the existence of these ‘ portals’ or ‘doors’ ( connecting the three planes) are also able to harness and use spiritual power.” Thus, the observance of the night sky has significance for the Kumeyaay on many levels.
The Kumeyaay Cosmology exhibit will run from January to April at the museum, 11 Frontage Road, in Ocotillo. The depiction of Kumeyaay constellations are similar to those of the Greeks and Romans and will be presented as micro lights shaping prominent constellations. I’m looking forward to it. Keep in mind that the museum also sponsors star gazing events concurrent with astronomical events such as meteor showers or lunar eclipses. Check the website for scheduling: ivdesertmuseum.org
Then we were back in our seats for a review of museum happenings in 2022 and coming attractions for 2023. I think there may have been another cookie break in there as well. I’ve been a museum member for at least two decades, and I’ve seen it evolve. It has become an educational institution serving the public and the students of Mountain Empire schools, Imperial County School districts, Imperial County Probation, and Valley home schooling. Curriculum examples include: third grade instruction of the living desert; fifth grade instruction of trails, geography and evidence of early inhabitants; and ninth grade advancement to archaeology and ethnography.
The educational element helps fulfill the museum’s goal of being “the foremost research and educational institution devoted to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of the deserts of Southern California.” That’s a huge goal, but through the smart and energetic stewardship of successive boards, museum directors, and staff, IVDM is getting there. You can check out instructional videos on YouTube at IVDM Virtual Classroom.
Museum hikes are part of the effort to get people out in the desert on foot to see its beauty and natural environment. There are different forms of hikes from easy 3- mile walks to 9- mile endurance tests. Schedules are available on the web site.
The physical space of the museum has also evolved. I remember when it was fairly empty. Now visitors can pose for a selfie with a life sized mountain sheep, check out a portion of the collection of pots and ollas, or watch videos on Kumeyaay culture. There are also cactus gardens on the perimeter of the museum. I wonder what animals have the courage to take bites out of the huge, prickly opuntias.
You can plan your visit during a special event such as Ocotillo Rocks, Ocotillo Blooms, or an Evening With an Expert. Or you can stop by on any of the following days: Wednesday thru Sunday from 10 a. m. to 3 p. m. Phone number is ( 760) 358-7016.
The Valley has few resources of this caliber. Take the half hour drive out to Ocotillo and enjoy the riches of the Imperial Valley Desert Museum.