Welcome to the Kelley House Museum
This historic home and research center is located in Mendocino, California on the scenic north coast. Built in 1861 by William Kelley, the house overlooks the ocean and is surrounded by gardens filled with flowers and lawn. The museum, along with docent-led walking tours of the historic preservation district, invites visitors to step back in time and imagine life in a bustling, 19th century logging town.
Kelley House Museum is open: Thursday–Monday, 11am–3pm.
Historic District Walking Tours
Join one of our walking tours, described as “the perfect way to get a sense of the cast of characters who helped shape the eclectic town of Mendocino.” Visit New England-style pioneer homes, learn why Mendocino was known as the city of water towers, and discover the secrets of the iconic “Time and the Maiden” statue. Enjoy Mendocino’s rich cultural heritage, from the Pomo tribe that lived here for thousands of years, to the European and Chinese immigrants who built the town you see today. Narrated, self-guided tours are also available to download on your smartphone.
Tours last 2 hours, depart several times per week, and cost $25 per person.
Exhibit Spotlight
NORTHERN POMO: MENDOCINO’S FIRST PEOPLE
October, 2024 – March, 2025
Museum Hours:
October – December: Thursdays through Mondays, 11am – 3pm
January – March: Fridays through Sundays, 11am – 3pm
Explore the history and rich culture of the Northern Pomo, who have lived on the Mendocino Coast for thousands of years. Discover the Pomo language, read about early coastal villages, admire exquisite basketry, and enjoy works of contemporary Pomo arts and crafts. Learn about the historical injustices that drove Native populations to near extinction. This exhibit is a testament to the Pomo’s enduring resilience.
Holiday Festivities
Visit Santa: Saturday, December 7th, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Member Party: Saturday, December 7th, 5 – 7pm
Make merry with your friends at the Kelley House! Enjoy hammer dulcimer music by Victor Simon, assorted fine wines, fresh apple cider, and small bites. Open to current members and volunteers, past and present.
If you have little ones who would like to VISIT SANTA, come by between 3:30-4:30 the same day for cookies and a picture with Santa outside on the Kelley House porch. $5 suggested donation.
Fundraiser!
MURDER, SHE WROTE FESTIVAL
Friday, May 2nd – Sunday, May 4th, 2025
Festival Pass (all inclusive): Members $125, General Public $150
Join the Kelley House Museum as we celebrate Murder, She Wrote, one of the most popular shows in television history! With more activities than ever before, you’ll fall in love with Mendocino’s Cabot Cove, home of beloved sleuth Jessica Fletcher.
Featured Book ~ From KHM Store
Experience Kelley House
Book Store. Our wide assortment of local history books delve into topics as diverse as movies filmed in Mendocino, shipbuilding, early architecture, and Native American history.
Research. Search our collections or let our expert staff help. Our climate-controlled storage and research facility is home to over 150 years of Mendocino coastal history.
Newsletter. Stay current and connected with the living history of Kelley House Museum as we uncover new stories, host events, and feature special collections.
Donate. Please join us in our efforts to preserve and share Mendocino’s history. Become a member or make a donation today.
Making History Blog
The Caspar Choo-Choo by Chuck Bush
Reprinted from the February 25, 1993 Mendocino Beacon and annotated with additional information. Caspar Creek, and later the town of Caspar, were named after Siegfried Caspar, an early settler of German descent who raised cattle in the vicinity. Construction of the sawmill near where Caspar Creek meets the ocean commenced in 1861, after the owners, [...]
The Kelley House Museum is a 501c(3) non-profit educational corporation, tax ID number 94-2277534.