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New Life for Maidu Exhibit at the Oroville Visitors Center

The Museum of Anthropology is working in conjunction with the California Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to revitalize an existing natural history diorama featuring traditional Maidu life.

The Maidu lived in the Sierra foothills chaparral and oak woodland of what is now the Oroville area. The project, which officially began July 7, 2002, and extends to May 30, 2003, is being conducted through a $23,000 grant from the State of California.

Part of the refurbishing of the exhibit involves the painting of a mural by artist Phil Schmidt, who has been involved in rendering artifact drawings for the Archaeology Lab at CSU, Chico. Under the supervision of Professor Georgia Fox, anthropology students will learn about the building and installation of natural history dioramas as well as other aspects of museum installations.

The project involves the addition of plants and animals as well as extension of an existing mural and some conservation work on original Maidu basketry. Ellen M. Clark, the district interpretive specialist for the Northern Buttes District of the California Department of Parks and Recreation is the acting representative for DPR.

"Clark's expertise and knowledge of the flora and fauna of the region is the guiding force behind the revitalization of this exhibit," said Fox, who represents the Department of Anthropology in the project.

In directing the project, Clark is making sure that Maidu prehistory is accurately represented to the thousands of visitors who come to the Oroville Visitors Center annually. Stacy Schaefer, co-director of the Museum of Anthropology, was also involved in the initial planning phase of the exhibit.