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 hours: April–December: Thursday–Monday, 11am–3pm; January–March: Friday–Sunday, 11am–3pm.
Fundraiser!
MURDER, SHE WROTE FESTIVAL
Whether you’ve seen the Jessica Jog on social media or just caught the article in Newsweek we hope you’ll join us next year from May 21-23rd, 2027 for our annual Murder, She Festival where we celebrate all things Jessica Fletcher. Tickets will be announced by email, so we suggest subscribing to our newsletter. Tickets to the general public go on sale September 15th, with a presale on September 10th for members. Click on the button below for photos from past festivals.
Historic Walking Tours
Our walking tours have been described as “the perfect way to get a sense of the cast of characters who helped shape the eclectic town of Mendocino.” On our Historic District tour, visit New England-style pioneer homes and learn about Mendocino’s rich cultural heritage. On our Haunted Mendocino tour you’ll stop at the hideouts of Mendocino’s well-known specters, and learn a little of the town’s history along the way. Our Murder, She Wrote tour takes you to over a dozen filming locations from the hit TV show starring Angela Lansbury. Tours last up to 2 hours, depart weekly, and cost $25 per person.
Exhibit Spotlight
ART OF RESISTANCE
Exhibit runs September 3, 2026 – February 28, 2027
Think activism in Mendocino started with the hippies in the ’60s? Think again! Mendocino boasts a long history of political and social activism, and the Kelley House Museum’s latest exhibit showcases the powerful art that has demanded change across the eras. Marvel at the artistry behind historic posters for women’s suffrage, the Whale War boycott, and the Peace Fair. Have a laugh at the anti-war napkin art of the ’60s or feel the raw weight of the hand-drawn signs from today’s protest marches.
Featured Item ~ 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
Final weekend for “Tying the Knot: Bridal Fashion Unveiled”
Maryann Perreira Osborne’s wedding dress, 1913. Photo credit: Robert Dominy. It’s the final weekend to view “Tying the Knot: Bridal Fashion Unveiled” at the Kelley House Museum! Monday August 31, 2026 is the last day to view the seven pieces of historic clothing worn by Mendocino brides, ranging from the mid-1860s to 1978. [...]
The Kelley House Museum is a 501c(3) non-profit educational corporation, tax ID number 94-2277534.