Situated three blocks west of the courthouse in Independence, the museum has displays that interpret area history, anthropology, botany and geology. Among the exhibits are antique mining and farm equipment. Little Pine Village consists of restored and recreated structures from the 1880s.
The Manzanar Relocation Camp, which housed Japanese-Americans during World War II, was 5 miles from Independence and the museum has exhibits displaying this period in American history.
Independence is located in the Owens Valley on Highway 395, south of Yosemite National Park. The museum is closed Tuesdays, New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission is by donation.
