Yosemite's cultural history is as dynamic and awe-inspiring as its natural landscape. The stories, pictures, traditions, letters and legends of the generations of American Indians, early explorers and travelers to Yosemite reflect the complex and enduring relationship between people and their natural environment. Preserving Yosemite's cultural history is both meaningful and instructive, connecting us spiritually and practically to Yosemite's past so that we may better understand and care for its future.
Current Projects
FUNDING NEEDED: $476,758
High Sierra Camps National Register Nomination
The High Sierra Camps, established over 90 years ago, continue to entice visitors into Yosemite’s backcountry. Today the High Sierra ranger-guided loop hike is considered a highlight of the Park’s interpretative division, educating thousands of visitors annually on the importance of conservation. The National Register of Historic Places is the Nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation and includes sites, buildings, structures, and objects that are significant in American history, architecture, archeology, and culture. These beloved High Sierra Camps belong in the National Register for continued protection and preservation as part of Yosemite’s great heritage.
Merced Lake Cabin Restoration
The Merced Lake Cabin, located in Yosemite’s High Sierra, is architecturally significant as an example of 1920s log building techniques and plays a significant role in California water data and conservation research. The cabin serves as a base for ranger patrols, fire crews and search and rescue activities. This project will correct structural, health, and safety issues with the Merced Lake Cabin. The cabin’s historic integrity and materials will be preserved through careful construction and thoughtful upgrading of materials where necessary, and the cabin's useful life a ranger patrol cabin will be extended.
Residence 1 Preservation Study
The Old Superintendent’s House, built in 1912 and remodeled in 1929, is a fine example of the rustic style of architecture used by the National Park Service. Unfortunately, it is located in the 100-year floodplain of the Merced River, and was damaged and left unusable by high water in 1997. This project would evaluate options and create a recommendation to stabilize and repair the house, conserving the house’s historic fabric while preparing it to withstand periodic flooding. If repaired, this building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, could then be used for special events and occasional administrative meetings.
Wawona Fountains Restoration
This project seeks to rehabilitate two significant fountains in the Wawona Hotel area, which is a National Historic Landmark. One fountain marks the entrance to Wawona Hotel as it sits in the center of the formal entry drive, and the other fountain is in front of the Thomas Hill studio, located next to the Wawona Hotel. Both fountains will be restored with their exteriors staying true to their original Victorian designs, and the functioning elements of the fountains updated to modern standards including water conservation features.
This rehabilitation project is a partnership between The Yosemite Fund, Yosemite National Park, and Delaware North Companies, corporate manager of the Wawona Hotel.
Indian Roundhouse
The Indian Cultural Center is being developed at the site of the last Indian Village, west of Camp 4, in an area known by the Indians as Wahhoga. This project will provide for the construction of a traditional ceremonial round house and other traditional structures, umachas, on the Wahhoga site using traditional materials and construction techniques and methods. Once completed, this roundhouse will be used for educational purposes for the preservation and maintenance of American Indian life-ways as well as educating the public.
Completed Projects
Rehabilitation of historic buildings in the Pioneer History Center, Wawona Covered Bridge, the Mariposa Grove, Yosemite Museum and Indian Village. Acquisition of Indian artifacts, rare books and restoration of early paintings, photographs and film