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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: Thursday–Monday, 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.

Indigenous woman making basket and woman carrying baby in basket on her back

Exhibit Spotlight

NORTHERN POMO: MENDOCINO’S FIRST PEOPLE

October, 2024 – March, 2025
Museum Hours:
October – December: Thursdays through Mondays, 11am – 3pm
January – March: Fridays through Sundays, 11am – 3pm

Explore the history and rich culture of the Northern Pomo, who have lived on the Mendocino Coast for thousands of years. Discover the Pomo language, read about early coastal villages, admire exquisite basketry, and enjoy works of contemporary Pomo arts and crafts. Learn about the historical injustices that drove Native populations to near extinction. This exhibit is a testament to the Pomo’s enduring resilience.

 

illustration of christmas tree with candles and decorations

Holiday Festivities

Visit Santa: Saturday, December 7th, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Member Party: Saturday, December 7th, 5 – 7pm

Make merry with your friends at the Kelley House! Enjoy hammer dulcimer music by Victor Simon, assorted fine wines, fresh apple cider, and small bites. Open to current members and volunteers, past and present. 

If you have little ones who would like to VISIT SANTA, come by between 3:30-4:30 the same day for cookies and a picture with Santa outside on the Kelley House porch. $5 suggested donation. 

 

woman holding a magnifying glass in front of skyline and behind a typewriter

Fundraiser!

MURDER, SHE WROTE FESTIVAL 
Friday, May 2nd – Sunday, May 4th, 2025

Festival Pass (all inclusive): Members $125, General Public $150

Join the Kelley House Museum as we celebrate Murder, She Wrote, one of the most popular shows in television history! With more activities than ever before, you’ll fall in love with Mendocino’s Cabot Cove, home of beloved sleuth Jessica Fletcher. 

 

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

painting of a water tower with buildings in the background

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

Coffee to Go!

While the Mendocino Coast has seen many shipwrecks along its shores, and enjoyed salvaging the cargo that washed up, the sinking of the “SS Dorothy Wintermote” in September of 1938 stands out in the memories of the locals. A veteran of Pacific coastal service, with more than 15 years of traffic on her record, the [...]

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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