PERMANENT
COLLECTIONS
Our Permanent Collections are always on display and available to view during regular museum hours.
Marion Steinbach Native American Basket Collection
The Marion Steinbach Native American Basket Collection consists of more than 700 baskets from Tahoe native peoples of Western North America. Approximately 270 baskets and Native American artifacts are on permanent display, a majority of which were originally collected by Marion Steinbach. The collection consists of baskets primarily made for sale by the Natives. Most of the baskets in the collection were made between 1860-1940.
After Marion Steinbach's death, in 1992, her widower, Henry A. Steinbach, gifted Marion's impressive collection of Native American basketry to the NLTHS. The collection was donated on condition that a facility be provided for their display. Thanks to the generosity of the local community, the NLTHS built a modern annex attached to the Gatekeeper's Museum to house and display the collection. The Edward S. Barnett building containing the Marion Steinbach Basket Collection opened in June 1995.
On The Lake
Maritime Collection
Step back in time and explore the golden age of Lake Tahoe’s waterways! This captivating exhibit highlights the region’s rich maritime history with artifacts from the SS Tahoe, the Marian B., and Captain Ernest Pomin, alongside a 1930s original outboard motor. Visitors can also watch a rare early 20th-century video showcasing the lake’s elegant steamships in action. Perfect for history enthusiasts and lake lovers, the exhibit brings Tahoe’s steamship era vividly to life.
Lake Tahoe's Natural History
Learn about Lake Tahoe's Natural History with our “Touch and Feel Bear Exhibit.” Featuring an interactive video and the opportunity to touch a real bear hide. Learn about Tahoe bears during the Ice Age and how they evolved to become Grizzly Bears and Black Bears.
Lake Tahoe in the Movies
An interactive exhibit staring Lake Tahoe! Featuring an original 1920's movie projector from the Tahoe Tavern Resort, original set and costume design images from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, private notes from locals who were on set, newspaper articles about local extras and – the highlight of the exhibit – a short film created by Patrick Yun.