Mendocino Whale War Exhibit

March 6th – 29th, 2026
Museum open Fri – Sun, 11:00am – 3:00pm

Did you know that the Mendocino Whale Festival started as an act of protest against commercial whaling? Visit the Kelley House Museum during March for a special exhibit about the Mendocino Whale War, started by a group of locals who launched the first Whale Festival to educate the public about the plight of endangered whales on the coast. Posters, photographs, and clippings will be on display. $5 suggested donation

The Boy Who Talks To Whales Viewing

Saturday, March 7th, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Admission: $10

Celebrate the anniversary of the Whale Festival with a viewing of the 1975 classic film, The Boy Who Talks to Whales. Barry Cusick, one of the original Whale War activists, will introduce the film which was released during the height of 1970s environmental activism. The film follows 15-year-old Andy and his Uncle Will as they embark on an arduous search for Gigi, a gray whale they believe communicates with humans. Uncle Will is played by local activist Byrd Baker, whose real-life crusade to “Save God’s Whales” helped spark the anti-whaling movement on the Mendocino Coast, and who is featured as part of the Whale War exhibit at the Kelley House Museum throughout March. Filmed over 50 years ago, The Boy Who Talks to Whales serves as a vivid visual archive of Mendocino, and many viewers will enjoy the “then and now” look at the town and coastline. Limited seating so advance purchase recommended.

Exhibit and Event location: Kelley House Museum, 45007 Albion Street, Mendocino, CA

PURCHASE TICKETS

Organizers of the First Annual Mendocino Whale Festival pose outside Crown Hall with J.D. Mayhew’s poster, March 20, 1976. L to R: Ellen Findlay, Bill Wilson, Sue Golden, Brendan, Heidi and Barry Cusick, Sally and Lee Welty. Photo by Nicholas Wilson.