The purpose of the museum is to inform, educate and entertain the visitor about the diverse uses of mules throughout history and specifically, the West and the Sierra Nevada. Interpretive exhibits will include the use of mules by: agriculture and farming, transportation of people, supplies and services, construction for water, power and industry, U. S. Military, trail building by the Forest Service and Park Service, commercial pack trains and stations, recreation and Mule Days.

The goal of the Board and committee is to construct a museum building and outdoor exhibits which will house interpretive and interactive displays as well as a living history area. A parking area will accommodate visitor passenger vehicles as well as tour and school buses. The museum will be located on Highway 395 adjacent to the Mule Days Office on the Tri-County Fairgrounds with easy access to motels and restaurants. The museum will draw visitors to the Eastern Sierra region and increase regional and town revenue in our area.

The museum will offer interactive and interpretive displays, demonstrations and events, films, seminars, and living history exhibits to further educate and entertain the visitor regarding this unique history. The museum will preserve and display artifacts, photographs, letters, diaries, and historical papers relative to this goal. A small library and archives will be available to researchers. A gift shop will provide visitors with an opportunity to purchase mule memorabilia in the form of books, gifts and merchandise and will help to support the museum.

The American Mule Museum and Heritage Center is a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation. The corporation has an executive board, officers and committees who oversee its activities. The museum has a large group of founding members. The museum will be seeking grant money and donations to proceed with construction. Once built, the museum will rely on funding from memberships, donations both private and public, fund raising activities, and sponsorships. Once established, it is expected that the museum will become self-sustaining.

An architect’s rendering of a site plan and structure is available for viewing.