Most historic districts in this country consist of small sections of a larger more developed city. The Mendocino Historic Preservation District consists of the town itself and this creates a dynamic that is evident as one walks the streets. While visitors come to enjoy the historic townscape, the residents are also using the post office, the library, the school, and the grocery store. The town has an architectural governing board that reviews all town plans to ensure the visual presence of this historical town is preserved. The Kelley House Museum, in keeping with historical preservation, is furnished with period furniture from the late 1800s. The three upstairs bedrooms are furnished with items that belonged to the Kelley family or came from the period in which they lived in the house.
In addition, the museum contains some of the following standing collections: