Death Valley is a desert valley located in Eastern California. It is the lowest point in North America and one of the hottest places in the world. And yet, it has attracted people for some 10,000 years. Its human history is unique, complex, and fascinating.

Death Valley collections tell the stories of people drawn to this land of startling and stark beauty, scorching valleys and snow-capped peaks, borax mines, and a grandly furnished Castle.

Objects, historic photographs and documents reveal the people who came here to make their names, fortunes, and homes. They include the Timbisha Shoshone, intrepid miners, Chicago industrialist Albert Johnson and his wife Bessie, showman and con man, Death Valley Scotty, and others.

Death Valley National Park Virtual Museum Exhibit

Teaching with Museum Collections Lesson Plans