Historic Site or District 
Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park
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Fresno Flats Historic Village and Park captures the flavor of 19th Century life in the Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains of Central California. Eastern Madera County is the southern end of the historic Mother Lode gold fields. But the people who settled here didn't necessarily come for gold, but more to build their lives and raise their families, making their living as farmers, merchants and using the rich natural resources of the mountains.
The museum complex is built around two restored and furnished homes dating to the 1870s. Both have been designated by the State of California as Points of Historical Interest for their unique construction styles once common throughout Northern California, but virtually unknown today. They were saved from demolition, moved to Fresno Flats Historical Park and restored by the volunteers of Sierra Historic Sites Association, as were a pair of early-day one-room schools, two 19th Century jails and several other farm buildings.
Starting in 1975, the volunteers of the non-profit SHSA began developing Fresno Flats Historical Park and its historical research center for the enjoyment and education of this and future generations. The name Fresno Flats recalls the days before 1912 when Oakhurst was known as Fresno Flats. This is truly a community effort. Preservation, restoration, maintenance and operation over the years have been accomplished through donated labor, materials and funds. No tax money is involved.
Fresno Flats Historical Park is located at the intersection of School Road (427) and Indian Springs Road (418) east of Oakhurst.
Hours Open: Grounds open from dawn to dusk; Museum hours: Daily 10am - 2pm
Seasons Open: Closed January & February
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Dr. Jerome Stanley wrote on March 04, 2012: I just discovered its existence and am very happy to learn about it. Quite possibly, I might like to do research at the library there, since I am writing a book about my great uncle who worked in Fresno Flats in the 1890s.
George Walden wrote on May 18, 2010: The Research Library at Freno Flats is the only facility of its kind that is preserving the history of Eastern Madera County. Appointments can be made to examine old newspaper articles, family histories, photographs, etc. Call 559-683-6570 for information. Fresno Flats also has a blacksmith shop, a scale model of of the Nelder Grove lumber mill, a wagon shed and a working print shop with a 1940's model linotype and a 1908 printing press. Docent led tours are conducted annually for 4th grade pupils from various schools throughout Fresno and Madera Counties.Junior Docents from the local middle school act as characters that lived and worked in the various buildings and explain what conditions where like in the late 1800's and early 1900's. A ragtime festival is held in March, a Heritage celebration is held the third weekend of Sept. and Christmas at Fresno Flats is the first sunday in Dec. There are other activities at the park throughout the year. Check the website for more info.(fresnoflatsmuseum.org)