The MDHCA is a not-for-profit organization of volunteers dedicated to saving our desert heritage and telling the stories of the many who persevered and make up the rich tapestry that is the Mojave Desert. Our slogan, Non Nobis Solum, "Not for ourselves alone," embodies the spirit of the MDHCA and the organization's passionate members.
By becoming a member of the Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association you are supporting the preservation of our unique desert history, supporting education, and promoting awareness of the incredible Mojave Desert. Your membership dues go directly toward the operation of the historic Goffs Schoolhouse and the surrounding 75-acre cultural center.
To join or renew your membership, simply subscribe HERE.
WHY BECOME A MEMBER?
- FREE admission to the museum and member-only events
- Volunteer opportunities and being part of something bigger than you
- Subscriptions to our newsletters - (4) Mojave Road Reports per year and the monthly Goffsgram
- Purchase our rare and unique books in the museum store or online
- FREE dry camping at Goffs up to one week per year
- FREE EV charging for your vehicle
- Access to member-only special offers
Volunteer
A cornerstone of the MDHCA is the generous time, talents, and treasure donated by our amazing volunteers over the years. Since 1980 under the Friends of the Mojave Road, and today as the MDHCA, impressive things have been accomplished by our amazing and generous volunteers. Ordinary people from diverse backgrounds, banding together for a common good, have come forward and donated resources and time to enhance our mission. It is kind of like America used to be.
We need help of all kinds, ranging from processing our archival collections, to supporting our publications program, to physical assistance in developing and maintaining the improvements on the 75 acres making up the Goffs Cultural Center. Whether you like to use a computer or a shovel, there is bound to be something you'd enjoy doing. To find out about the latest volunteer projects and how you can become involved, subscribe to the Mojave Road Report.
Donate
The Mojave Desert Heritage and Cultural Association is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation formed to ensure the Goffs Cultural Center and Mojave Desert Archives will exist in perpetuity.
You can directly support the preservation activities of the MDHCA by making a one-time or reoccurring donation, or by including the MDHCA in your estate planning. Your tax deductible cash contribution can be made securely by clicking the button below.
Beyond a monetary donation, please consider donating much-needed supplies or equipment.
| Example Of Needed Items | Est. Cost |
| 10-gal. portable air compressor | $200 |
| 6-volt golf cart batteries (qty 12) | $1,200 |
| Pro grade 20’ extension ladder | $200 |
| Golf Carts and Golf Cart Batteries | USED |
| Extension Ladder (fiberglass) | USED |
| 50 foot hoses and 20 foot hoses | USED |
| Used backhoe/loader | $35,000 |
Special Offers
Membership has its benefits.
One of our most unique membership benefits is being able to book a stay in our authentic Santa Fe Railroad caboose. This caboose, known as #99353, was acquired by Skip and Barbie Slavkin and donated to the MDHCA on March 13, 2009. Its career on the rails had come to an end in 1990 as the railroad was doing away with cabooses and shrinking the size of train crews. Over the years, amenities, such as running water, a toilet, and electricity have been added to make the caboose a prime overnight destination. The railroad's loss can be your gain, as you can imagine life on the rails for a night or two, during your stay in on of the coolest places on the Goffs Cultural Center's campus. Contact us to find out more about this special opportunity.
Awards Program
We are very aware that the wonderful things that have been accomplished since 1981 with the Mojave Road and since 1990 at Goffs (MDHCA) are greatly attributable to the efforts of a large group of generous and dedicated volunteers. The contributions of some are modest—the contributions of others are huge. All are equally appreciated.
Over the years, we have used the Mojave Road Report newsletter to acknowledge the support we receive, big and small. To be sure these acknowledgements are perpetuated into the future, we periodically publish accumulated series of the Reports in book form, make them available to our membership, and donate copies to libraries.
In 1990, we instituted the Wagon Master Award. This is our highest award and is issued annually to people who have provided support and assistance "above and beyond the call." Over the years, hundreds of Wagon Masters have been awarded to many different people.
Buy a Brick
OUR ENDOWMENT, YOUR BRICK!
Help us achieve our goal of raising $50,000 to secure the existence of the Dennis G. Casabier Library and Goffs Cultural Center in perpetuity! We are grateful to all of our past donors and we hope this year is the year we achieve our goal!
Purchase a 4" x 8" brick for $100.00 or an 8" x 8" brick for $175 that will be forever immortalized at Goffs.
Each brick is laser engraved, with up to three lines on the 4 " x 8" brick and up to six lines on the 8' x 8' brick (all letters are capitalized for consistency).
Choose a donor certificate or mini brick that is an exact replica of your donated brick at checkout.
Sojourners
We are looking for mature, motivated, responsible, sojourners to provide a presence, water plants on the grounds, and perform light maintenance duties in this high desert environment. Will also help greet visitors at our historic schoolhouse museum on weekends. Prefer a minimum stay of one month, preferably longer.
Goffs is in Southern California 100 miles south of Las Vegas and 30 miles west of the Colorado River, just off I-40.
Please call 760-733-4482 for further information or e-mail us at info@themojaveroad.com. If using email, put the word 'Sojourner' in the subject line.