Yosemite Indian Museum

Half Dome and Merced River in fall.

Nestled in the mountainous terrain of the Sierra Nevada in California, the 1,200 squares miles that encompass Yosemite National Park was first preserved in 1864 by Abraham Lincoln. The park opened in 1890.

At the beginning of this month, Yosemite commemorated its 125 anniversary.

Yosemite is known for its spectacular waterfalls, valleys and mountains. It offers grand meadows, ancient sequoias trees, lakes and streams and some of the world’s best rock climbing. Four million people visit the park every year.

The areas first inhabitants were Native people—the Tsa’lagil or Miwok. The park first celebrated this fact with the establishment of the Indian Village in 1920. Today, nearby this village is the park’s Indian Museum.

Yosemite Museum

According to Antonio R. Garcez’ book, American Indian Ghost Stories of the West Yosemite Park and this museum are both haunted by Native Americans.

The spirits of these Indians are seen moving throughout the park. Some are even heard singing. Reports of this activity are common near streams and waterfalls.

One female Native American park ranger and storyteller states that in the corner of the Indian Museum building there is an Indian burial ground. This location is not widely shared—out of respect for the dead.

This park ranger feels that other spirits are drawn to this area because the museum displays fine artifacts, such as baskets *, that these spirits are proud of and attached to.

* These baskets are valued at between 10,000 and 15,000 dollars.

Shadow people are seen in this museum as well as display lights tend to flicker. But by far the most compelling activity revolves around the museum’s mannequins.

This paranormal activity has startled more than one person.

These mannequin’s faces were cast or molded from real Native American’s faces that were deceased at the time.

Mannequin

An unusual sound often heard in this museum is the shrieks of visitors. When they are approached to find out what is going on they all describe seeing various mannequin’s heads turning and looking at them.

Other reports include details of these mannequin’s eyes and mouths moving.

What is interesting about this activity is the fact that the local Native Americans believe that it is disrespectful to stare or look straight at the spirits of the deceased.