Maggie Howard (ca. 1870-1947), Lucy Telles (1885-1955) and Julia Parker represent a long line of traditional basket-weavers, and their work as cultural demonstrators has been central to Yosemite's cultural education programs. Julia Parker is Yosemite National Park’s longest-serving current employee and is often described as a “national treasure” for her contribution to cultural education. Julia leads regular workshops and demonstrations for park visitors.
A new exhibit planned for summer 2013 will showcase the 80-year history of cultural demonstrators in Yosemite by displaying their handiwork along with innovative audio and video materials designed to convey a greater depth of the park's cultural diversity. This project also engages an intern from local tribal communities to expand on the cultural demonstrations and provide additional opportunities for visitors to connect meaningfully with the “living history” of Yosemite’s native peoples.
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