Winter 2013

            Bishop, California is known as the Mule Capital of the World because of the large collection of mules that are raised, worked and esteemed in the Eastern Sierra. Mule Days is the largest Mule Show in the United States showcasing these amazing animals. The many pack stations in the Sierra offer adventurous pack trips and day rides exploring the beautiful National Forests, Parks, and Wilderness areas using these beautiful mules. If you have never ridden a mule, you are in for a treat. What more appropriate place than the creation of the American Mule Museum on the Tri-County Fairgrounds on highly visible Highway 395.

 The American Mule Museum was founded in 2008 as a 501c3 organization with a dedicated committee of volunteers working to make this dream a reality.  The Museum relies on donations, grants and membership to move the Museum plans forward. 

The Fairgrounds entrance Kiosk, telling the story of mules in the Eastern Sierra is complete and enjoyed by the public. The displays tell the story of how mules were instrumental in the development of the Eastern Sierra and how mules are still used today. The displays include information about freighting, mule packing, major dam and aqueduct constructions, and use of mules by the Park Service and Forest Service.  If you haven’t seen these outstanding panels, stop by the American Mule Museum membership booth at the Kiosk during Mule days and learn things about mules you might not have known. Three display panels have been installed at the Bishop Chamber of Commerce building on Main St.  The committee is now working on a new kiosk at the Laws Railroad Museum in northeast Bishop just off highway 6.

            At last year’s Mule Days Celebration, the Museum presented a well attended outdoor Barn Concert, starring Fiddlin’ Pete Watercott and Neil Gelvin, on Sunday afternoon at the barns.  It was enjoyed not only by the audience but mules, braying in the background, accompanied the foot stomping music.  This Mule Days, the Museum, is planning another successful Barn Concert to be held on Sunday afternoon at 4 PM in the mule barns area.  See you there!

            The 2^nd annual silent auction, benefitting the Museum, will be held in the Doug Robinson Building.  The glass display cases in the center of the building will be filled with an array of unique collectables, quality merchandise, mule items, tack, crafts and fine art.  The auction will open on Thursday.  Bid on the items of your choice and hope that on Sunday at noon you will have the winning bid. 

The committee invites you to stop by the entrance kiosk booth, become a Founding Member and proudly wear your American Mule Museum button during the event.  Exchange mule tales (some of the stories may even be true) with the staff and each other and help create this exceptional Museum.  Your individual expertise and assistance is welcomed and valued by the committee.  Join the once a month meetings at the Fairgrounds.  Visit the Museum website at mulemuseum.org and keep up with the events on Facebook - “American Mule Museum, Bishop, CA”.