Ebbetts Pass Historical Association

Organized in 2003, Ebbetts Pass Historical Assn, a.k.a. EPHA, seeks to increase awareness of the history and myriad peoples that have shaped the area.  The association has produced 5 summer and 5 winter programs serving to both educate the public and honor groups and individuals who have impacted the region.   An original effort was made to become a Bear Valley subsidiary of the Alpine County Historical Association, which has an active nucleus on the eastern slope and excellent museum and staff. That plan did not materialize, so the founding members decided to create their own association.

The association became a non-profit incorporation in 2004, with a budding membership of 85 that has grown over 5 times that size. The Ebbetts Pass Historical Association is the result, an organization which includes not only Bear Valley, but the entire Highway 4 corridor from Arnold to the summit.

Each renewal year brings in a few more members, as well as folks just wanting to donate one time as they pass through. The museum, programs and archiving efforts all come from membership support. Volunteers work to keep the museum/office open regular hours as well as work on the cataloging and archiving projects.

The museum located in the Commercial Center of the Bear Valley Lodge, has a large window display toward the hallway, as well as many photos and artifacts within. Our goal remains to record history and memories for future generations. Many memories of ‘camps’ and developments along the corridor are continually being lost. Only a few are working on gathering information and relics. This is a huge task to turn items of interest into archival form, as well as reproduce for display. We have many items to sort and document as well as preserve in an archival form. Any contributions in time, funds, or expertise are welcome.

The museum computer has a museum type database to track memberships, donations, and has cataloguing and archiving capabilities. We would like to thank Joel Barnett of Bear Valley Real Estate for his sponsorship of EPHA in providing the first year’s rent as well as TBH for continuing to nurture our endeavor by offering a reasonable rate.