Big Bear Valley Historical Museum Welcomes Serrano Willow House

Big Bear, Ca, August 30, 2011, 12:00pm – The Big Bear Valley Historical Museum has a new exhibit on the museum grounds.  The new Willow House, which is a dome shaped dwelling of the Serrano Indians that are native to this area, was erected last Saturday at the Historical Museum.  Doug Walton, President of the Big Bear Historical Society told KBHR that several months ago he invited James Ramos, Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, to speak at a Historical Society meeting about the history of the Serrano Indians in the Valley.  Walton stated that the presentation was fabulous, so he asked Ramos if he would consider creating an authentic Serrano campsite at the Museum.  Ramos, who is running for San Bernardino County 3rd District Supervisor in the 2012 election, and other tribe members brought up materials and created the traditional Willow House.  There will be a dedication of the new exhibit this Saturday at the Big Bear Valley Historical Museum at 10:00am.  Walton told KBHR that he is very excited about the new exhibit, and that he hopes that the relationship with the Serrano Indians will continue to grow, and that they will remain involved in the Historical Societies activities.