Maturango Museum

Mark Pahuta’s Photo Exhibit “Ridgecrest and the Eastern Sierra”
2026-01-18 12:00 - 2026-03-04 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Maturango Museum Coso Room, 100 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States
Still photographs of Ridgecrest and the local area.
A photographic exhibit of current locations from the viewpoint of a photographer.
Mark received a B.A. in History at Humboldt State University and an M.F.A. in Cinema at the University of Southern CA. A filmmaker and still photographer, he came to the Indian Wells Valley in 1976 for a career of more than 40 years at China Lake in the Film and Video Branch. Many of his photographs are in the permanent collection of the Maturango Museum. The Museum has also published his audiovisual productions, “Between Two Worlds: Rock Art of the Cosos” and “Indian Wells Valley: Somewhere on the Edge of Nowhere. Mark has created numerous video productions for other organizations, including the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce. The Museum has published two books, “Ridgecrest Retrospective” and “High Desert Double Exposure” with Mark as photographer. Recently, Mark Pahuta’s “Hidden Ridgecrest” video series has been very well enjoyed.

Children’s Hour: “Winds, Clouds, and High-Flying Birds”
2026-01-16 10:30 - 11:30
Young children and their families are invited to help us welcome the new year with a Children’s Hour titled “Wind, Clouds, and High-Flying Birds.”
Young children of our Indian Wells Valley have likely all felt the force of strong winter winds, blowing fast and fierce! In the featured program, creative actions for kids will accompany stories about wind, storms, and clouds with their imagination-stirring shapes transforming the sky. Birds such as snow geese come to live for the winter in our valley, while other kinds of birds pause only to eat and rest during the autumn as they migrate further south. On their journeys they can be seen soaring high along uplifting currents of air, as naturally as children running along a sidewalk pretending to fly! Children’s Hour, begun by a group of volunteer docents in 2009, continues to encourage both learning and appreciation of books, the Mojave desert and nearby mountains. Each program theme is explored through storybooks, songs, action activities, crafts and natural history exhibits from the docents’ collection.
Curiosity and questions from children are warmly received!!
We hope to see you for this free, educational and monthly event! Information about Children’s Hour can
be found on Maturango.org or by calling 760-375-6900.

Chasing Spring on the Pacific Crest Trail
2026-01-11 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-12-24 08:00 - 17:00
Back by popular demand, Bob Steele is presenting “Chasing Spring on the Pacific Crest Trail”
In 2016, Bob and Susan Steele from Inyokern thru-hiked the 2,650-mile-long Pacific Crest Trail with a different goal than anyone else – counting all the birds. Their trek passed through magnificent scenery and diverse habitats, affording the chance to see birds moving northbound during spring migration to summer breeding locations. With stunning photography and storytelling, this afternoon presentation with guest speaker Bob Steele will take you along the spine of the West Coast mountain ranges, winding from Mexico to Canada, with a keen eye toward natural history, flowers, and birds. Share in the joy and challenge of backpacking 140 days on one of the most famous trails in the Western Hemisphere, and glimpse some of the 200 species of birds and many flowers found along the way.

Free Second Saturday Speaker: Sean Scruggs
2026-01-10 13:00 - 16:00
The Eastern Kern County Resource Conservation District (EKCRCD) is pleased to welcome Sean Scruggs, a Piute Native tribal representative from the Fort Independence Reservation, as our Second Saturday Speaker. Sean will share insights on the cultural importance of nature within his community.
EKCRCD is launching a Certified Resilient Backyard Habitat program in Ridgecrest to encourage eco-friendly, wildlife-supportive, and sustainable gardening practices. This talk is part of a planned series of speakers and workshops connected to the program.
All members of the community are invited to attend. We hope to see you there!

Video Screening: Hidden Ridgecrest 7
2025-12-28 14:00 - 15:00
This upcoming video presentation features several engaging stories, with the central narrative focusing on the history of local fire departments and the experience of serving as a volunteer firefighter. This primary story is inspired by the Historical Society publication by Tex Hoppus, A History of Fire Stations in the Indian Wells Valley.
In addition to the main feature the program includes a few unexpected stories, some even introduced by “surprise presenters.”
The video runs just under one hour. Producers Mark Pahuta and John Daly will be in attendance to offer brief remarks before the screening and to answer audience questions afterward.
Admission is free however, seating is limited.

Winter Solstice
2025-12-20 11:00 - 14:00
THE WINTER SOLSTICE IS COMING!
The shortest day of the year is coming up! This day marks the turning point from the days getting shorter to days getting longer. Due to the Earth’s axial tilt, the northern hemisphere is at its farthest point from the sun at the winter solstice. The Maturango Museum plans to celebrate this turning point on Saturday, December 20th, from 11 am to 2 pm, near the time of the winter solstice. A winter collage card craft will be provided, and members from the China Lake Astronomical Society may be on hand with their solar scopes, allowing the public to view the sun safely. Join us!

2nd Saturday Free Admission
2025-12-13 11:00 - 14:00
Join our docents for a fun, hands-on activity! Participants will have the opportunity to create their own ornaments and winter-themed symbols using Sculpey clay.
Free Saturday activities run from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Children's Hour
2025-12-05 10:30 - 11:30 | Maturango Museum Coso Room, 100 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States
Snow Tree
A tradition!
Animals gather gifts from Nature to decorate a tree for all to enjoy!

Double Dip Sundays! A Gift Store Deal For Members!
2025-11-09 12:00 - 16:00
for Museum Members
Enjoy 20% discount on Sundays
November 2 to November 30.
If you’re not a member call, come in, or go online to Maturango.org to purchase your membership.
Almost everything in the store qualifies with a few exceptions: books, playing cards, blankets, gift certificates and DVDs.

Second Saturday! Free Admission! And the Planetarium 11-2
2025-11-09 10:00 - 17:00
Second Saturday at the Museum!
Free admission to all!

Children's Hour
2025-11-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Maturango Museum Coso Room, 100 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States
Hibernation
Winter is sleep time for many animals

Ray Wood's "Singing DAX/Instagram Girl" Opening Reception
2025-11-02 14:00 - 16:00 | Maturango Museum Coso Room, 100 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States

Ray Wood's "Singing DAX/Instagram Girl"
2025-11-02 08:00 - 2026-01-11 17:00
Gallery Exhibit
After 40 years, Wood is back with another solo show at the Maturango Museum to share his paintings of models and actresses from around the world posing by request with his dog “DAX”
DAX is half black labrador retriever and bloodhound and loves to sing and fluctuate his voice to TV programs and music. DAX made his debut singing on Instagram about 2 years ago and Wood discovered people not only loved DAX for his singing ability but also his charm and the way he would interact with people. As time went on, models from around the world asked to be painted with DAX and things began to take off. Singing DAX is now a household name on Instagram and people ask to be painted with him daily.
DAX usually poses with models, but in his time off, he has models wearing his Singing DAX hat or his logo in the paintings. Wood discovered that art is an excellent way to bring people together and gives them a common ground to discover each other and their cultures. DAX now has over 750 followers from around the world and not only brings a positive message to people enjoying beautiful models but also a subliminal message with a little humor.
Instagram is an excellent forum for artists because it allows them to get immediate feedback and stimulates good positive conversation. Posting paintings daily on Instagram with music has also been very inspirational and has motivated Wood to do hundreds of paintings. By allowing everyone to translate easily it enables people from around the world to be able to communicate freely and feel comfortable while talking with one another.
Please enjoy the show and you can always enjoy seeing DAX on Instagram @ singingdax

Annual Dinner and Auction 2025
2025-10-25 16:30 - 22:00 | Kerr McGee Center, 100 W California Ave,, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States
Maturango Museum 2025
Annual Auction and Dinner
Saturday, October 25
Kerr McGee Center
Doors open at 4:30pm
Make a difference…
and have a great time doing it!
Sponsorships available!
Sponsor pamphlet Auction 2025x

Video Screening: Hidden Ridgecrest 6
2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00
Discover fascinating local history in the Hidden Ridgecrest 6 film! This episode features captivating stories, including:

The Bonnefin Family’s life at Dead End Cabin—years before the Navy arrived
The growth of theater in the valley, from CLOTA to the China Lake Players
The mystery of the Blue Jeans Ranch
… and much more!

The video runs just under an hour. Following the screening, producers Mark Pahuta and John Daly will be available for a Q&A session.
Admission is free, but seating is limited—arrive early to secure your spot!

Field Trip to Devil’s Punchbowl
2025-10-18
Maturango Museum Field Trip to Devil’s Punchbowl Natural Area
Saturday, October 18, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains, this stunning
geological wonder offers a unique opportunity to explore
dramatic rock formations, vibrant desert landscapes, and the
dynamic forces that shaped this region.
Our adventure begins at 10:30 am at the Devil’s Punchbowl
Nature Center near Pearblossom, Southern California. We’ll
enjoy a presentation on the geology and history of the
Punchbowl at the scenic View Point. Learn about the tectonic forces and erosion that created the
Punchbowl’s iconic tilted sandstone layers and rugged canyons.
Following the presentation, we’ll embark on a guided one-mile loop hike into the Punchbowl canyon,
offering breathtaking views of the striking rock formations and surrounding desert and mountain terrain.
The trail features moderate inclines and rocky paths, so sturdy hiking shoes and perhaps walking sticks are
recommended.
We’ll wrap up the day by 2:30 pm, leaving time to enjoy the scenic beauty of the area or relax at the
Nature Center.
What to Bring:
 Comfortable hiking shoes
 Water bottle (at least 1 liter)
 Sunscreen and hat
 Light layers for cool mornings and warm
afternoons
 Snacks for the trail
This family-friendly trip is perfect for geology enthusiasts,
hikers, and anyone eager to discover the natural beauty of the Devil’s Punchbowl. Don’t miss this chance
to explore one of Southern California’s most remarkable landscapes!
Buy tickets on the museum website maturango.org/events The cost is $35 for museum members ($60
for 2 members), $45 nonmembers ($80 for 2). Kids under 18 are free.
Cancellation Policy: If the Museum cancels your trip, you will be given a full refund or you may transfer
the money to a different trip. No cash refunds will be given if you cancel.
Howard McCauley will send out an update and details to those who’ve registered a couple of days before
the trip.

Free Saturday: Breakfeast Burritos
2025-10-11 09:00 - 16:00
Come Meet the Burros at the Museum!
Join us for a special day as the Museum welcomes the friendly burros brought by Karin and John Usko of the California Breakfast Burrito group. These gentle animals love attention and can’t wait to be petted and adored! The burros will be visiting from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (weather permitting).
While you’re here, stop inside the Museum between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM for a fun hands-on craft activity the whole family will enjoy.
Bring your family and friends for a unique experience filled with furry friends, creativity, and community fun!
www.californiabreakfastburritos.org/

Children's Hour
2025-10-10 10:30 - 11:30 | Maturango Museum Coso Room, 100 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States
Folktale with a Desert Twist
“The Gingerbread Cowboy”

Travel Presentation: Peru’s Upper Amazon
2025-10-05 14:00 - 16:00
Alice and Ken Atwood will present a talk on their trip to the Upper Amazon. In February 2025 they explored the 2 major rivers, Marañon and Ucayali, that make up the Amazon River confluence. The Pacaya-Samiria Preserve is a National Park comprised of over 5 million acres. It is a biodiverse rain forest that is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. The presentation will include phots of some of the animals including Pink Dolphin, Saki Monkey and Pigmy Marmoset.

Open Studio Tour weekend
2025-09-27 10:00 - 2025-09-28 16:00
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” – Edgar Degas
Join us for the Open Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday, September 27 & 28, from 10 am to 4 pm each day. Discover the creativity of local artists in their own studios, then see a special selection of their work featured in the Open Studio Tour Exhibit at the Museum (August 31 – October 27). Don’t miss the Artists’ Opening Reception on Sunday, September 14, from 2–4 pm, where you can meet the artists and celebrate the start of this exciting showcase.

Celebration of the September Equinox
2025-09-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Maturango Museum Coso Room, 100 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States
The September equinox is approaching! The word ‘equinox’ comes from the Latin words ‘aequus,’ meaning equal, and ‘nox,’ meaning night. Therefore, ‘equinox’ translates to ‘equal night’ in Latin, symbolizing the nearly equal length of day and night. This marks the transition from longer summer days to shorter winter days for us in the Northern Hemisphere. Days from now until the winter solstice grow shorter each day, and the nights grow longer. The winter solstice marks a turning point where the days begin to grow longer and the nights shorter.
At the Maturango Museum, we enjoy celebrating the four times each year when the Earth and sun experience a special relationship: the equinoxes and solstices. This connection helps us stay in tune with the changing seasons.
Join us as we create celestial greeting cards in the style of “Junk Journaling”. A Junk Journal card is a handmade creation that uses various papers, pockets, and tags to craft an engaging greeting card with spaces to tuck in a handmade note or greeting. Arrive by 10am to give yourself plenty of time to explore the different options available for your card-making experience.
As a bonus, the China Lake Astronomical Society may bring their solar scopes for visitors to view the sun safely. Members’ participation depends on their schedule and the weather.

Maturango Status Presentation 2025
2025-09-20 - 2025-12-31
Maturango Status Presentation 9-19-25

Open Studio Artist’s Group Exhibit Opening Reception
2025-09-14 14:00 - 16:00 | Maturango Museum Coso Room, 100 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States

Free Second Saturday
2025-09-13 11:00 - 14:00 | Maturango Museum Coso Room, 100 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States
Our upcoming Free Second Saturday will feature guest presenters Mike and Linda Thompson, sharing the art of flintknapping. Mike, an accomplished flintknapper, will display some of the remarkable points he has created. Following the demonstration, participants will have the opportunity to craft their own arrowheads using Sculpey polymer clay, attach them to small shafts, and decorate their creations.

Children's Hour
2025-09-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Maturango Museum Coso Room, 100 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States
Children’s Hour: Friday September 12, 10:30 – 11:30 am
Our Animal Neighbors in the Mountains

Through story books and action songs, helped along by docents, puppets and imagination, there will be “visits” by chipmunks, raccoons, bobcats, bears and even a few skunks! A salamander may slip in there, too. One of the stories, “The Blackberry Banquet” by local author Terry Pierce, is sure to be enjoyed by all! The children are always excited to see taxidermied animals up close on the Discovery Table and a craft activity will finish the hour!
We hope to see you for this free, educational and monthly event! Information about Children’s Hour can be found on maturango.org/events/ or by calling 760-375-6900.

Hidden Ridgecrest 5
2025-08-31 14:00 - 17:00
The video will share some fun facts….
Did you know that the widening of China Lake Boulevard to 4 lanes in 1955 was one of Ridgecrest’s largest community celebrations ever?
Did you know that on the north range of China Lake there exists a mysterious rock shelter that may or may not be a cavalry fort from the 1800s?
Did you know that most names in Ridgecrest come from several sources and that many like “Downs,” “Crumbville,” and “Peg,” are named after people that either had nothing to do with the area, were misspelled, or were Red Mountain prostitutes?
These and other gripping questions will be answered in this 5th version of “Hidden Ridgecrest.” Producers, Mark Pahuta and John Daly, will be on hand to introduce the video and to answer any questions after the screening. As usual the event is free, but seating is limited. The video runs about one hour.

Open Studio Tour Gallery Exhibit
2025-08-31 10:00 - 2025-10-27 17:00 | Maturango Museum, 100 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States
Maturango Museum Open Studio Tour 2025
Each artist will also have a sample of their artwork displayed in the Open Studio Tour Exhibit (August 31 – Oct 27) at the Museum and be a part of the Artists’ Opening Reception (Sunday September 14, 2-4pm).

Kern Plateau Meadows Field Trip
2025-08-09 07:00 - 17:00
Another! Kern Plateau Meadows Field Trip with Anne Dumas
Let’s head to the high country! Join the Maturango Museum on a tour of several meadows on the Kern Plateau.
The Kern Plateau is a relatively flat area between 7,500 and 8,500 feet in elevation. There are about 30 meadows with streams and rich soil abundant with plants and flowers. Some years, there are lots of frogs!
It will be fun to explore in the cool mountain air. The meadows we could visit include: Troy, Powell, Granite Knob, Paloma, Bonita and Osa.
Meet at the museum at 7am. You will be required to sign a liability waiver. Great trip for kids and leashed well-behaved dogs.
Buy tickets on the museum website maturango.org/events The cost is $35 for museum members ($60 for 2 members), $45 nonmembers ($80 for 2). Kids under 18 are free.
Cancellation Policy: If the Museum cancels your trip, you will be given a full refund or you may transfer the money to a different trip. No cash refunds will be given if you cancel.
Carpooling is encouraged, but not required. For those driving, be sure your vehicle is in good repair and that it has a full tank of gas. We will be driving approximately 200 miles round trip on our day long adventure. We will return to the museum in the evening. (Or you could drive up and over Sherman Pass and head home through Kernville.)
Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and plenty of water. Once we pass the Kennedy Meadows General Store, there is no place to buy food or drinks. Also, if you like, bring a folding chair, a rain jacket, hiking poles, bug spray, hat and sunscreen.

"Hidden Ridgecrest 4"
2025-07-27 14:00 - 16:00 | Maturango Museum Coso Room, 100 E Las Flores Ave, Ridgecrest, CA, 93555, United States
Mark Pahuta’s #4 of the Hidden Ridgecrest Series
