California History Museums

[Goldrush!]   [Natives & Immigrants]

Focusing on the history of California from prehistory to present time, the museum offers an array of exhibits, tours, performances and other materials related to the history of the great state of California.  Located at 1000 Oak Street in Oakland, CA.

This history museum actually comprises numerous buildings in the historic complex.  The buildings include the 1892 Webster Schoolhouse, Markleeville Log Jail, and a restored silver ore stamp mill.  Exhibits follow the history of the Alpine County area from the Washoe Native Americans through the early pioneers.  Located on School Street in Markleeville, CA.

Focused on the history of the Ridge, the museum offers school children a chance to see what living in the 1850s was like through living history exhibits. The museum boasts a large collection of Maidu Indian artifacts.  The museum also operates the Paradise Depot Museum, focusing on area railroad and logging history, 5570 Black Olive Drive, Paradise.  The Gold Nugget Museum is located at 502 Pearson Road in Paradise CA.

California Foundry History Institute  [Movie]

(dead link Oct09)

(Alternate Link: http://www.foundryccma.org/history.html )

Devoted to the history of foundries in California, the museum features a large collection of artifacts, photographs, documents and other items related to the history of the Gold Rush which was the beginnings of the foundry history and it's casting uses in transportation, defense, water control and recycling.  Located at 2971 Warren Lane in El Dorado Hills, CA.

Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park

[Photos]

Pan for gold in the exact same spot where it was first discovered in California.  Known today as Coloma, the site is responsible for the historical Gold Rush which began in 1848.  The site has over 20 historic buildings including a sawmill, school, store, houses and mining buildings.  Located at 310 Back Street in Coloma, CA.

Kearney Mansion Museum

Once the home to M. Theo Kearney who made his fortune in raisins, the mansion can be seen through guided tours on weekends.  Located at 7160 W. Kearney Blvd. inside Kearney Park in Fresno, CA.

Shoshone Museum

The museum is dedicated to the history of the town of Shoshone and the early pioneers of Death Valley and the surrounding desert.  Located on California State Hwy 127 in Shoshone, CA.

Kern Valley Historical Society and Museum

The museum is focused on the early history of the area and includes artifacts from the Tubatulabal Tribe, Native Americans of this region.  Other exhibits are related to the early pioneers, gold miners and lumberjacks who settled the Kern Valley.  Located at 49 Big Blue Road in Kernville, CA.

Maturango Museum   [Petroglyph Tours]

The museum is devoted to the history and geology of the Northern Mojave Desert.  Located at 100 E. Las Flores Avenue in Ridgecrest, CA.

Tehachapi Heritage League and Museum

Dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and history of Tehachapi, CA, the museum is housed in the old Kern County Library building located at 310 S. Green Street in Tehachapi, CA.

Autry National Center

Previously known as the Museum of Western Heritage, the museum was founded by Gene and Jackie Autry and Monte and Joanne Hale.  The museum is focused on the heritage of the American West and how it influenced the world.   Located inside Griffith Park in Los Angeles, CA.

Drum Barracks Civil War Museum

[Drum Barracks History]  [Virtual Tour]

This important military installation was foremost in securing Arizona and New Mexico for the Union during the Civil War and later served as an outpost during the Indian Wars.  In 1987 the barracks building was opened as a museum.  Throughout the year re-enactments are held along with many other events.  Located at 1052 Banning Blvd in Wilmington, CA.

Hollywood Heritage Museum

Hollywood History Museum

Housed inside the historic Max Factor building, the museum is devoted to the past history and magic of the motion picture industry.  There are over 5000 exhibits created for movie fans on four floors.  Location is 1660 N. Highland Avenue in Hollywood, CA.

J. Paul Getty Museum

Los Angeles Police Museum

Operated by the Los Angeles Police Historical Society, the museum is devoted to the preservation of the history of the LAPD and features exhibits of memorabilia, patches, uniforms, historical documents and photos related to that history.  The society also provides research of past officers and policemen.  The museum holds an extensive collection of historical photographs.  Located at 6045 York Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA.

Mount Lowe   [History]  [Virtual Tours]

The preservation society is devoted to the preservation of the history of Mount Lowe Railway and it's founders Thaddeus S. C. Lowe and David J. Macpherson.  The Mount Lowe Railway was once known as one of the world's greatest scenic mountain railways.

Page Museum / La Brea Tar Pits

Pasadena Museum of History   [Research]

Focused primarily on the early Pasadena business history with exhibits of photos and artifacts from Pasadena businesses, the museum also operates docent guided tours to the Fenyes Mansion and the Finnish Folk Art Museum.  Begin your visit at 470 West Walnut Street in Pasadena, CA.

Psychiatry: An Industry of Death Museum

An extremely unusual museum featuring exhibits, documentaries and statements from health professionals about the victims of psychiatric brutality.  Free to the public, the museum is located at 6616 Sunset Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA.

San Dimas Museum

Housed inside the Santa Fe Station, the historical museum is focused on preserving the history of San Dimas and the surrounding Southern California area.  Call (909) 305-9466 for hours.  Located at 210 W. Bonita Avenue in San Dimas, CA.

Southwest Museum of The American Indian

The museum galleries are currently closed due to renovations.  The museum will reopen in 2009 and houses one of the largest American Indian collections in the United States. See the plan for the future of the Southwest Museum.  Location is 234 Museum Drive in Los Angeles, CA.

UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History

Warner Brothers Studio

Wells Fargo History Museum at Los Angeles

Featuring exhibits from the past of the famed Well Fargo, the museum is located at 333 South Grand Avenue in Los Angeles, CA.

Marin Museum of the American Indian

[History]   [Exhibits]

Focused on educating the public about the history and culture of Native Americans in California and other regions of the US, the museum features historical Native American artifacts and holds a large collection of Native American masks.  Located inside Miwok Park at 2200 Novato Boulevard in Novato, CA

Novato History Museum

Housed inside the oldest dwelling in Novato, it was erected ca 1850 by Ramon Pacheco.  The museum is operated by the Novato Historical Guild and docent-guided tours are offered.  Located at 815 DeLong Avenue in Novato, CA.

[Mariposa Town History]

The museum, celebrating it's fiftieth year, is an excellent history museum.  Dedicated to the history and life style of early peoples of Mariposa County, you will find an array of authentic artifacts and documents to explore.  Exhibits of early mining equipment and real gold panning lessons will bring history to life for visitors.  For history / genealogy buffs, there is a research library available by appointment.  Located at 519 Jessie Street in Mariposa, CA.

[Photos]  [About Jose Eusebio Boronda]

Erected between 1844 and 1848 by Jose Eusebio Boronda in the lower Salinas Valley, the house was occupied by descendants of the Boronda family until 1929 when the property was sold to Charles Brooks who built his home behind the adobe structure.  In 1976 the house was restored and opened as a museum.  Open weekdays.  Located at 333 Boronda Road in Salinas, CA.

Monterey Maritime Museum & History Center

The Monterey Maritime Museum holds almost 6000 artifacts and over 50,000 photographs and documents related to the maritime history of the Monterey area.  Exhibit themes include the Rumsien / Ohlone Indians and Spanish explorers, the USS Macon and war in the Pacific, Monterey's past as the sardine capital of the world and more.  Located at 5 Custom House Plaza in Monterey, CA.

Built in 1861, the firehouse was used for nearly 80 years as a firehouse and saw everything from horse-drawn fire wagons to the modern motorized fire engines roll through its doors.  In 1947 the  building was designated as a museum by the Nevada County Historical Society.  Inside visitors will find Indian artifacts, Chinese artifacts, and historical items related to the daily life and history of the people who have lived in Nevada County.  Located at 215 Main Street in Nevada City, Ca.

Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum

Focused on the preservation of local transportation history and artifacts from the narrow gauge railroad era, the museum features docent-guided tours.  Visitors will learn about the narrow gauge railroads in the museum and view a collection of wooden rail cars in the railyard.  Located at 5 Kidder Court in Nevada City, CA.

Northstar Mine Powerhouse & Pelton Wheel Museum

the museum features hundreds of mining artifacts and includes a working Stamp Mill, Cornish Pump and the largest Pelton Wheel ever constructed.  The museum offers guided tours and visitors will learn about gold mining in the Gold Country of California.  Located at 11505 Via Vista in Nevada City, CA.

The Bradford House

A historic home built in Placentia ca 1902 by Albert Sumner Bradfor.  The home is furnished in period style and is open for tours and special events.

136 Palm Circle, Placentia, CA.

Heritage Hill Historical Park

This lovely 4 acre park features 4 historical buildings.  Historical structures include the 1908 Harvey Bennett Ranch House, 1890 St. George's Episcopal Mission, 1890 El Toro Grammar School and the 1863 Serrano Adobe.  Guided tours are offered and the grounds are available for rental.  Located at 25151 Serrano Road in Lake Forest, CA.

California Bear Flag Museum  [History]

The museum is focused on the original California Bear Flag which was created in 1846 after the Bear Flag Revolt which heralded the beginnings of the state of California.

Located at 7364 Windbridge Drive in Sacramento, CA.

California State Indian Museum

Focused on the history and culture of the Native Americans who inhabited California for centuries before pioneer settlement, the museum features exhibits and artifacts  which include basketry, beadwork, clothing and the many traditions of the diverse Indian Tribes of California.  Located at 2618 K Street in Sacramento, CA.

California State Railroad Museum

Focused on the "Iron Horse" which connected California to the rest of the United States, the museum features 21 beautifully restored locomotives and train cars dating back as far as 1862.  Seasonal steam train rides on the Southern Railroad are offered from the Public Market in Old Sacramento at Front & K Streets.  Located at 125 I Street in Old Sacramento, CA.

California State History Museum and State Archives

California State Library

California State Military Museum

State Capitol Museum   [Architecture & History]

Sutters Fort State Historical Park

[Virtual Museum of Sutter's Fort]

Sutter's Fort was located on a land grant given to Swiss immigrant John Sutter in 1839.  This early settlement became a well known refuge for travelers and early immigrants to California.  Known as New Helvetia, all that is left of this large agricultural settlement is the fort, which has been restored.  The park is located in midtown Sacramento between K & L Streets and 26th and 28 Streets and the fort is open daily for tours.

Wells Fargo History Museum at Old Town Sacramento

Featuring the history of the Pony Express and stagecoach history in Sacramento, CA.  Located at 1000 Second Street in Sacramento, CA.

Barstow Route 66 "Mother Road" Museum

Calico Museum and Ghost Town

Visit a true ghost town.  The mining town of Calico was founded in 1881 and once bustled with 22 saloons and 500 silver & gold mines.  Known as one of the richest mining towns in California, it became a ghost town after 1907.  It has been preserved and today living history re-enactments are featured in the 480 acre park.  Located just northeast of Barstow, CA off of Interstate 15.  For more information call 1-800-TO CALICO.

Mojave River Valley Museum

Redlands Glass Museum

The Historical Glass Museum displays 6,000 examples of American glass from the 18th through 21st centuries.  A non-profit foundation, open to the public by donation since 1985. Open Saturdays and Sundays 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.  Located at 1157 N. Orange St., 4 blocks north of the I-10 in Redlands, CA

San Bernardino County Museum

Victor Valley Museum

Western America Railroad Museum   [Virtual Exhibit]

Balboa Park - America's Largest Urban Cultural Park

[Museums]

Bonita Museum & Cultural Center

The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center features exhibits of local history and fine arts. Begun over 20 years ago as a one-day display of historic photographs, the Bonita Museum strives to preserve and celebrate the spirit of Bonita in it two spacious galleries. In the Audi Lawson Gallery, the various stories of Bonita’s one hundred year history are told with artifacts and photographs. Displays include Native American culture, the lemon orchard period, the events of the flood of 1916, and the transformation of family life by technology. Presentations in The Corky McMillin Companies Gallery change six times each year, and include the Museum’s Annual Juried Fine Art Exhibit, Community Art Shows, and traveling exhibits of art and history. The Museum also hosts various special events each year including an annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration, a Music Concert Series, and the ‘Bonita People’ Speaker Series. The Bonita Museum & Cultural Center is located at 4355 Bonita Road in Bonita, adjacent to the Bonita Sunnyside Branch Library

Cabrillo National Monument

La Casa De Estudillo

This 1820s U-shaped casa was built by Jose Antonio de Estudillo of four-foot thick adobe bricks.  The Estudillo family occupied the home until 1887.  Today the adobe home has been restored by the San Diego Committee of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of California.  Spanish and early American artifacts and relics are featured inside as well as period furnishings.  Open to visitors daily.  Located inside Old Town, San Diego State Historic Park in San Diego, CA.

Machado-Stewart Adobe House

One of the oldest buildings in Old Town, the small two room adobe house was built in 1830.  Originally the home to Jose' Manuel and Maria Machado, it was last occupied by their daughter Rosa and her husband Jack Stewart.  It has been restored and furnished by the San Diego Committee of The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of California.  Open daily for tours.  Located in Old Town, San Diego State Historical Park in San Diego, CA.

Marston House

Museum of San Diego History   [Photo Gallery]

Located in Balboa Park, you will find exhibits depicting the early history of the San Diego region.

Old Town San Diego  [History]

Visitors will delight in this historical town where California's history begins.  Filled with historic sites, shops, restaurants, museums, it is the perfect place for a weekend getaway.  Located at 2383 San Diego Avenue in San Diego, CA.

Old Town State Historic Park   [Photo Gallery]

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

San Diego Sheriff's Office Museum

Located in the Old Town State Historic Park. 2384 San Diego Avenue. Free admission.

Serra Museum   [History]

A 1929 Mission style building located in Presidio Park.

Villa Montezuma   [Historical Photo]

Wells Fargo History Museum at San Diego

Featuring historical items from the past of Wells Fargo as it operated in San Diego, the museum is located at 2733 San Diego Avenue in San Diego, CA.

William Heath Davis House Museum & Information Center

The William Heath Davis Historic House Museum is the oldest surviving structure in the Gaslamp District of San Diego.  The home has been occupied by some fascinating people including pre-Civil War soldiers, a German Spy, and found of San Diego - Alonzo Horton.  Each room of the home has been furnished in a different historic period of the home and visitors will learn about the former inhabitants.  Located at 410 Island Avenue in the downtown historic Gaslamp District of San Diego.

Prison Cell in Alcatraz

Click for larger image

Alcatraz Island   [Photos and Multimedia]

Featuring a tour of Alcatraz Prison, this is likely one of the most visited places in the United States.  Experience life behind bars where some of the most hardened criminals in America's past spent time.  Al Capone and the famed Birdman of Alcatraz are just a couple of them.  Prior to the use of Alcatraz for the prison, the island was used by the U. S. Army as a fort.  A visit here is a must for anyone taking a trip to San Francisco.  Alcatraz Island is steeped in history.  Tours leave several times daily from Pier 33 on The Embarcadero and the park service recommends advance purchase of tickets.

California Historical Society Museum

Golden Gate Railroad Museum

The Museum of the City of San Francisco

[1906 earthquake]

Octagon House

Built in 1861 by William C. McElroy, it is one of five octagon shaped houses built in the city.  The house has been restored and opened to the public by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in California.  Collections include decorative arts of the Colonial and Federal periods along with a collection of documents pertaining to Colonial and Early American history.  Located at 2645 Gough Street in San Francisco, CA.

Seymour Pioneer Museum

Wells Fargo History Museum at San Francisco

The museum is located at the site where the company opened for business in 1852, the museum features exhibits of stagecoaches, gold dust and gold ore, and artifacts related to the history of Wells Fargo & Company in California history.  Located at 420 Montgomery Street in San Francisco, CA.

[Virtual Tour]

Located at 11793 N. Micke Grove Road in Micke Grove Regional Park between the cities of Stockton and Lodi, the museum offers multiple historic buildings including the Julia Weber House, Captain Weber Home, an 1856 one-room schoolhouse, a blacksmith shop, harness shop and other historical buildings with exhibits representing the history and development of San Joaquin County.

San Mateo County History Museum

The History Museum is an innovative regional history center located in the Old County Courthouse. Featuring interactive experiences, the History Museum's long-term exhibits are the place where you can explore the county's rich and colorful history.
 The museum archives contains a 1400 volume collection of books and over 30,000 photographs, newspaper clippings, and documents in print and on microfilm.  Located at 2200 Broadway in Redwood City, CA.

Sanchez Adobe Museum

Built sometime between 1842 and 1846 by Francisco Sanchez, a local cattle baron.  Today you may walk the grounds, see the original farm and native plants, explore the adobe home which is the second oldest building in San Mateo County.  Archeological digs have been performed in the area and many uncovered historical artifacts are on display.  Located at 1000 Linda Mar Blvd in Pacifica, CA.

The Woodside Store

Dr. R.O. Tripp and Mathias Parkhurst built the Woodside Store in 1854. Early customers included loggers chopping down the redwoods. Dr. Tripp sold them everything from work boots and ax handles to flour and ham. When farmers settled in the area, the Woodside Store served as their county store, post office, and community center until 1909. Dr. Tripp made frequent trips to San Francisco to get supplies. Anything you wanted, he could get. Browse the shelves of the Woodside Store, restored to its 1880s appearance, and see the goods available in the mid to late 1800s - from canned fruit and frying pans to nails and sewing machines. Operated by the San Mateo County Historical Association, The Woodside Store is located at 3300 Tripp Road in Woodside CA.

3396 Sagunto Street
Post Office Box 181
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
805-688-7889
 

Moffet Field Historical Museum

Portuguese Historical Museum   [History]

This replica of a 1915 imperio built in San Jose, the museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Portuguese immigrants.

San Jose Historic Park   [Photos]   [Virtual Tour]

Wings of History Museum

Focused on the history of Siskiyou County, the museum collects, preserves and interprets the history of the area for generations to come.  Visitors will find a 2 1/2 acre Outdoor Museum of authentic and reconstructed buildings set in a replicated environment.  Located at 910 South Main Street in Yreka, CA.

Previously the capitol of California 1853-1854, this original building has been restored and furnished with period furnishings.  Located near Vallejo at 115 West G Street in Benicia, CA.

Housed inside the old Tehama County Court House, the museum is devoted to the history and culture of Tehama County and it's residents.  Located at the corner of C & 3rd Streets in Tehama, CA.

Three Rivers Historical Society Museum

The Historical Society explores and preserves the history of the Three Rivers area on the Kaweah River which was at one time inhabited by the Yokut Indian Tribe.  Located at 42268 Sierra Drive in Three Rivers, CA.

Hattie Weber Museum

Heidrick AG History Center

Woodland Stroll Through History   Open Historic Homes

Yolo County Historical Museum

Operated by the Yolo County Historical Society, the museum is housed inside the 1850s Classical Revival style Gibson House.  The museum features period furnished rooms along with historical artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Yolo County.  Open to the public on a regular basis, it is located at 512 Gibson Road in Woodland, CA.

Learn about the history of Eastern Butte and northern Yuba Counties.  Walk through Gold Trader Flat, a replica of an 1870s gold mining town.  During special times of the year the Yuba Feather Museum features living history days.  Located at 19096 New York Flat Road in Forbestown, CA.

Museum Index for Other States

California Census Records