Did you know our church/library was the original Catholic Church in Bishop located on West Elm Street? It was built in 1921 and moved to the museum in 1972. The entire structure was moved in a single piece.
It is home to:

  • W.A. Chalfant’s personal library (Founder and editor of the Inyo Register and Chalfant Press)
  • A stunning collection of Joseph Emil “Aim” Morhardt watercolor paintings donated by Mary Jane (Kelz) and Edward C. Kerber,
  • Art, family histories, musical instruments, books, annuals, and many antiques.
  • Many items were donated by citizens of the Owens Valley.

Preserving history gives us the opportunity to have a conversation with our past about our future. To learn about ourselves and educate future generations.
Our goal is $80,000. Lofty, yes it is: --and we are already 1/4 the way there!

We are ready to take on a major restoration project. The 101 year-old building needs to have the exterior shingles replaced with fire resistant material. This is a structural necessity to stop water permeating and further damaging the interior walls.
Your donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE!
Please make checks payable to:

Laws Railroad Museum & Historical Site
PO Box 363,
Bishop CA 93515

...or, you can contribute online, using the "donate" button below.  (Add a note to the payment telling us that you are contributing to the Library Renovation fund.)

We have a list of smaller yet equally important restoration projects we are itching to get started. The Conway House desperately needs a new roof and paint.  The Well House exterior need to be secured. The Railroad Tie building needs to be reassembled. And the Bottle House needs to be refreshed inside and out.

One of the biggest challenges we face is funding. Our donors always come through in the biggest and best way so, if you have a special fondness for any of these historic structures, please consider donating to the Adopt A Building program.  Donations of all sizes are greatly appreciated and will be used only for designated buildings. Thanks to your generosity, we can continue to provide an enriching experience for generations to come.

Library Fundraiser Donor Recognition:

  • Donor Level 1-- A gift of $10,000 to $25,000+ supports long-term preservation of the library and includes a Donor Recognition Panel and gift amount placed at the entrance of the building, identification in the museum’s year end newsletter along with a donation receipt and a commemorative gift.
  • Donor Level 2-- A gift of $2,000 to $9,999 supports building repairs and includes identification in the museum’s year end newsletter along with a donation receipt and a commemorative gift.
  • Donor Level 3-- A gift of any amount can be made that supports building repairs and includes identification in the museum’s year end newsletter along with a donation receipt.
     

Together we can work wonders -- Thank you!