The San Bernardino County Museum

The public is invited to visit the San Bernardino County Museum on Sunday, June 4 with no admission fees. This free day is sponsored by Grounds for Enjoyment in Highland and San Bernardino.

Visitors will enjoy special exhibits along with displays of specimens and artifacts that interpret local history, anthropology, geology, paleontology, and biological sciences in a regional context. Special exhibits are “If These Buckets Could Talk: tales from the history collections” in the Fisk Gallery, “Salton Sea: lost lakes and salt dream” and “Head to Toe: hats and shoes in the museum collections” in the Hall of History galleries; and “Hanging with the Staff” in the Schuiling Gallery.

At 2 pm, Michele Nielsen, Curator of History will present a gallery talk called “Fantastic Fasteners: Buttons Tell Stories Too.” Before the zipper was invented, buttons fastened together the fabrics of daily life. Just like today, buttons served a utilitarian purpose and created a fashion statement. Made out of everything from glass and metal to bone and paper, buttons are fascinating artifacts that offer insights into the past.

“Some buttons are beautiful, thought of as miniature works of art. Some are humorous in nature, and some hide secrets within their designs. Their amazing variety, small size, and almost universal appeal make them an ideal thing to collect,” said Nielsen. “Find out what ‘calicos’ are, or how to make a ‘charm string.’ Learn about the history of buttons and why they have enjoyed such popularity over the years.” This gallery talk is also free.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free on Sunday, June 4. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.

The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is (909) 307-2669 ext. 229 or TDD (909) 792-1462.