New Mission | New Website

Murphys Old Timers Museum Finds New Life - Gains Momentum.

December 19 declared Albert Michelson Day by the Calaveras Board of Supervisors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Tricia Slavik | tricialslavik@gmail.com | 209.559.0200

Murphys, CA — The Murphys Old Timers Museum (MOTM), a cherished institution that celebrated the rich history of Calaveras County for more than 70 years, faced an uncertain future when it closed its doors in 2020. However, with a renewed vision and commitment, the nonprofit is embarking on an exciting new chapter.

Early this year the museum’s board met monthly to revitalize the nonprofit with a new mission and a new website. Without a museum to call home, the volunteer-run organization has shifted its focus to supporting local projects highlighting the history of Calaveras County, including the new Albert Michelson exhibit at the Angels Camp Museum.

“The completion and early successes of the Michelson exhibit had sparked something in the entire board,” stated MOTM board president, Scott Klann. “There was a sense of renewed purpose and, along with a few other small projects like it, the board was inspired to take things in a new direction for an old promise - the preservation of local history.

In 2023, MOTM played a pivotal role in launching the Albert Michelson Exhibit at the Angels Camp Museum. Michelson, a former resident of Murphys and the first American Nobel Prize winner in Physics, is a significant figure in local history. The exhibit, which opened in May 2024, was made possible through a seed loan from MOTM and the collaborative efforts of MOTM board members and the Albert Michelson Education Project (AMEP). The project received funding through grants from California Humanities and the Calaveras Community Foundation.

“The Michelson exhibit has truly elevated our museum experience,” remarked Martin Huberty, director of the Angels Camp Museum and Calaveras Visitors Center. “This project galvanized our volunteers, staff, and local educators in crafting a world-class installation. I want to acknowledge the Murphys Old Timers Museum board of directors, whose decision to seed fund this exhibit made it all possible. More than 400 students visited so far, if even one is inspired by Michelson’s remarkable story, we consider our mission accomplished,” Huberty added.

In addition to its new mission, the MOTM has launched a fresh, modern website that offers visitors information about ongoing projects and resources related to Calaveras history, including the town of Murphys. m-otm.org

Among the other initiatives the MOTM has championed is the documentary “Cattle in the Sierra,” which examines the complexities surrounding cattle grazing in the Sierra Nevada. In 2022, MOTM secured a grant from the Calaveras Community Foundation to document the stories of seven longtime residents, resulting in the film “Calaveras Tales,” produced by the Calaveras Visitors Bureau and Film Commission.

As a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, MOTM is eligible for an array of federal, state, and local grants. The board encourages individuals and groups interested in pursuing projects related to local history to reach out about potential funding opportunities.

For more information about the Murphys Old Timers Museum and its initiatives, please visit www.m-otm.org

###