Located on the site of the former Chumash village of Sap's in the city of Thousand Oaks, California, the Chumash Indian Museum offers a glimpse into the Chumash people's culture and history. Founded in 1994, the museum is operated by the nonprofit Chumash Indian Corp. Its mission is to protect and preserve the Chumash Indian community's heritage. Aside from displaying and preserving their history, the Chumash Indian Museum also provides visitors with a glimpse of their lifestyle before European contact. Moreover, the museum is a reliable source of historical facts and information about the Chumash Indians. The museum's activities include educational programs, re-creating the ancient Chumash village, and offering tours of the museum.
The Chumash Indian Museum has an annual operating budget of under $200,000. The Chumash Indian Museum is also a partner with the Conejo Recreation and Park District, which owns the building that houses the museum. The museum board is composed of about half members from the local Chumash community. The board will assess ways to cut costs and generate more revenue for the museum. It is also possible that the Chumash Indian Museum will lay off some of its paid staff.
The Chumash Indian Museum is open on the first and third Sundays of every month from noon to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During the summer months, the museum is open on the weekends from 10 a.m. to sunset. It is also possible to participate in a school field trip program. In addition, a private two-hour tour of the Chumash Museum is available. The tour is led by a Chumash native.
The Chumash Indian Museum is a small museum, but it is filled with interesting exhibits. There are also displays of traditional Native American handcrafted artifacts. In addition, there are many books and other items for sale. Besides, the museum has a nature walk that leads visitors to a replica of a Chumash village. The walk passes through a number of interesting rock formations and trees. A nature walk costs $100 for two hours of guided exploration.
The Chumash Cultural Center is located across Thousand Oaks Boulevard from the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza. The center's mission is to preserve the Chumash cultural heritage and natural environment. In addition to the garden, the center features an English rose garden, a Japanese garden, and a French garden. It is also home to a variety of indigenous plants. The gardens contain oak trees and other plants that are endemic to the area. Guests can also participate in a hiking trail along riparian steam. Lastly, visitors can also view a variety of water-conserving plants.
The Chumash Indian Museum is also part of a 25-acre nature preserve. This is a pristine natural setting. It is a gathering place for the Chumash people. In fact, the museum is a binding point between the ancient and modern native way of living. The community has undergone significant transformations during the last several centuries. The museum's exhibits provide visitors with important information about the socio-economical and cultural transformation of the community.