Lake Tahoe is one of our Nation’s most prominent
historical areas. Its dynamic geologic and natural
history provide the backdrop for its rich cultural
heritage, from Washoe camps on the banks of Emerald
Bay, through the westward movement and mining age,
and the establishment of the tourism industry, Lake
Tahoe has been a cornerstone of American history.
The North Lake Tahoe Historical Society
was founded in 1969 and incorporated in 1971 by a
group of concerned citizens who were passionate about
this history, and its preservation. Their first major
project was to preserve the historic Gatekeeper’s
Cabin, then to rebuild the structure as a museum after
it was destroyed by arson fire in 1978. The Gatekeeper’s
Museum opened in 1981. In 1992, the collections were
expanded by the donation of the Marion Steinbach Indian
Basket collection. The mission of NLTHS is
the preservation, presentation and interpretation
of Lake Tahoe history. NLTHS comprises 3
museums with over 3,000 square feet of display space.
The Gatekeeper’s Museum sits on the site of
a known Washoe Indian campsite.
Gatekeeper’s Museum – An eclectic collection
of Tahoe history, including photographic collections,
oral histories and transcription, newspapers, court
ledgers, maps and written materials, letters, clothing,
artifacts and furniture.
Marion Steinbach Indian Basket
Museum – A collection
of over 800 baskets, pottery, clothing, dolls and
artifacts from over 85 tribes nationwide.
Watson Cabin – A 1909 log cabin listed on the
National Register of Historic Places as the oldest
house built on site in Tahoe City. It currently serves
as a living history exhibit showcasing pioneer life
on Lake Tahoe.
The museums are visited by over 10,000 visitors annually.
Average annual membership is 750 members. NLTHS school
tour program and traveling Washoe exhibit serve over
1,000 school children annually. In addition, NLTHS
offers a speaker series and educational series, which
has most recently included a basket weaving presentation
provided by Julia Parker, a world renowned Native
weaver from Yosemite, California.
During the past 34 years, NLTHS has accumulated an
incredibly diverse collection of Tahoe memorabilia,
including, Native American baskets, historical photographs,
oral histories, maps, archival documents, newspapers
and artifacts. One of our most extensive collections
includes thousands of historical photographs of Lake
Tahoe and its inhabitants, dating from the late 1800’s.
These photos capture the historical progression of
Tahoe history, from its Native inhabitants through
the gold rush, westward movement, mining and logging
eras and the establishment of the tourism industry
of Lake Tahoe.
