Historian Paul Price Discusses Local Native American History

Members of the Menifee Valley Historical Association and guests received a lesson in local Native American history Saturday from Paul Price, a lifelong resident of the area and expert on Indian artifacts.

A large crowd packed the Antelope Menifee Rural Center on Haun Road to hear Price's presentation and see the many artifacts he has collected from local lands. Residents who have found similar artifacts on their property were especially interested in the program, which lasted more than an hour and ended with a question and answer session.

Price described the activities of the Luiseno Indians, who inhabited the land for centuries after even earlier tribes lived here for thousands of years. He spoke of the impact of modern development in displacing or destroying many artifacts and spoke of others that remain.

He demonstrated primitive weapons ancient Native Americans used, including sticks, spears, dart guns and bows and arrows. Many woven baskets and cooking items fashioned out of rock were displayed, along with photos and maps of the region.

A video of Price's complete presentation will be posted on Menifee 24/7 early next week.