Home2024-03-04T17:28:23-08:00

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: Friday–Sunday, 11am–3pm. 

kelley house walking tour foursome

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.

several adults and child posing in front of Mendocino Whale War sign

March Whale Festival

Mendocino Whale War Exhibit
March 1st – 31st, 2024

Few people know that the Mendocino Whale Festival started not as a party, but as a war: the Mendocino Whale War. Visit the Kelley House Museum during March to view posters, photographs, and news clippings in an exhibit about the 1975-1976 protest against illegal whaling.  “The Boy Who Talks to Whales,” a film based loosely on one of the festival founders, will be viewable at the Kelley House Museum during March. 

man in hat sitting on stump in black white photo

Exhibit Spotlight

NATHANIEL SMITH
Mendocino Coast’s First Known African American Resident

Exhibit runs through May 27, 2024
Exhibit discussion with special guests: March 23, 4:00pm – 5:30pm 

Nathaniel Smith arrived in Mendocino County in the 1850s and is believed to be the first African American to settle on the coast. His life story is revealed through photos, clippings, and artifacts in this Kelley House Museum exhibit. Smith was at one time “known to every man, woman and child on the coast.” This exhibition presents details of Nathaniel Smith’s life set against the history of California’s treatment of people of color. Follow the path of Smith’s life as he moved from his hometown of Baltimore, traveled the world on a ship, and eventually settled and made his life in Mendocino County. Join us on March 23rd at 4pm for an in-depth discussion with Guest Curator Alexander Wood and Susan D. Anderson, History Curator at the California African American Museum. Advance tickets recommended as seating is limited.

 

guided tour @ kelley house museum mendocino california
antique brush and spyglasses
guest playing piano @ kelley house museum mendocino california
file drawers @ kelley house museum mendocino california
guided tour @ kelley house museum mendocino california

Featured Book ~ From KHM Store

photo of dirt road lined with shops from 19th century.

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

Gratitude to Nannie

Nannie Escola, c. 1970. Courtesy of the Kelley House Museum. When the Kelley House Museum was founded 50 years ago, retired teacher Nannie Escola was a self-styled historian who became part of the organization. Directors Dorothy Bear and Beth Stebbins found her a valuable fount of knowledge about Mendocino. Her reputation preceded her: [...]

guided tour @ kelley house museum mendocino california
sorting boxes @ kelley house museum
display case @ kelley house museum mendocino california
antique desk @ kelley house museum mendocino california

The Kelley House Museum is a 501c(3) non-profit educational corporation, tax ID number 94-2277534.

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