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.
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
CONSERVATION FOREVER
50 Years of Mendocino Land Trust
Exhibit runs April 2nd, 2026 – June 1st, 2026
Celebrate five decades of Mendocino Land Trust’s remarkable conservation legacy. This exhibit reveals “behind-the-scenery” stories through archival photos and documents that show exactly how your favorite trails, wildlife habitats, and hidden beaches were acquired and continue to be preserved. Learn more.
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 11th, 2026, 4pm – 5:30pm, Free but RSVP|
Walk The Big River Trail: Saturday, May 16th, 2026, 1:30pm – 3:00pm Free but RSVP
Fundraiser!
MURDER, SHE WROTE FESTIVAL
Join us in May for our annual Murder, She Festival where we celebrate all things Jessica Fletcher. Clcik on the button below for photos from past festivals. To hear about future festivals when they go on sale, Sign up for our newsletter.
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
Gentlemen – Start your engines!
The first dirt track auto races on the coast were held right here in Mendocino, where Headlands State Park now exists. Organizers of the 1921 Apple Fair wanted the Fair “to be bigger and better than ever” by adding auto and horse races and a rodeo. Joshua Grindle, president of the Fair Association, appointed committees [...]
The Kelley House Museum is a 501c(3) non-profit educational corporation, tax ID number 94-2277534.