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.
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. Click on the button below for photos from past festivals. To hear about future festivals when they go on sale, Sign up for our newsletter.
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
TYING THE KNOT:
Bridal Fashion Unveiled
Exhibit runs June 4, 2026 – August 31, 2026
Opening reception: Saturday, June 13th, 4pm – 5:30pm RSVP
Travel back in time and down the aisle at the Kelley House Museum during “Tying the Knot: Bridal Fashion Unveiled.” Featuring archival photographs, artwork, and four historic wedding dresses worn by Mendocino brides from the mid-1860s to 1914, this exhibit showcases evolving trends in bridal styles: from a woman’s “Sunday best” dress to sequins and lace, from bright colors to pure white. You’ll even learn about a few Mendocino love stories along the way. Opening reception is free but please RSVP.
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
New Archival Items at the Kelley House
The Kelley House Museum recently accepted a donation of items related to the Kelley family, passed down to a descendant of Otis Kelley, William and Eliza’s youngest child. Most of the items relate to the first generation of Kelleys born in Mendocino, primarily Daisy MacCallum and Elise Drexler. Daisy was a dedicated diarist. When we [...]
The Kelley House Museum is a 501c(3) non-profit educational corporation, tax ID number 94-2277534.