There’s a lot going on at the Kelley House Museum!
Dolls!
Our Holiday Exhibit is now up, and among the antique toys we pulled from the archives you’ll find three dolls that Daisy Kelley MacCallum used to played with, right here in her childhood home on Albion Street. This year they have new playmates. Several Victorian-era girl dolls have come to visit, as well as a trio of darling baby dolls, a group of Scottish girls with their felt-faced Lanci doll friend from Italy, and a cavorting troupe of Kewpie dolls. Sitting right next to them, a family of vintage Teddy bears are having a picnic. We even have some dolls from the 1940s. These special friends are on loan to us from the collection of Fort Bragg resident and Mendocino Coast Doll Club member, Grace Van Doren. You can see this display until Monday, January 6, 2020 during our regular Museum hours Fri-Mon, 11-3.
Members’ Holiday Party, Dec. 6th at 4:30
Each year we invite the Museum’s much-appreciated supporters to join us for food, drink, and merriment at this old house on the hill. This year, we will celebrate with a “Scottish Yule” theme because the Kelley family was originally from Scotland. Guests will enjoy appetizers from that end of the world, hammer dulcimer music by Victor Simon, and a pop quiz on fun historical topics conducted by author Katy Tahja. Signed copies of her book will be available. A merry evening indeed!
If you’re not a member but have been thinking about supporting your community’s premier cultural institution for historic preservation, we’d love to see you on December 6th, because Museum memberships will be available at the door. And a special holiday gift awaits you – new or renewed memberships at the $60 level or higher will receive two free passes for our historic walking tour. We think these passes make great stocking stuffers for history buffs!
Candlelit Shopping Tour and Scotch-Tasting Event, Dec. 14th 4-7pm
Next Saturday, we are joining with other local merchants to create a welcoming Second Saturday candlelit shopping experience in downtown Mendo. Come by the Kelley House between 5:00 and 7:00 and warm up with a drink! It’s a relaxing way to mingle with other lovers of fine Scotch, while supporting a worthy organization. Sarah Nathe will be pouring flights of five single-malt scotches. $25 per person. There will also be a silent auction for 2-night stays at both the Brewery Gulch Inn and at the Sea Gull B&B, in Mendocino. These could come in handy for those out-of-town guests who’d rather have their own space when visiting.
Holiday Walking Tours Every Day!
We’ve lined up 12 straight days of walking tours from Dec. 21st though Jan 1st so you and your friends will have ample opportunity to join our expert docents at the Kelley House for a stroll through the downtown historic district. Once you’ve learned more about the unique history of this place, your perceptions will forever be changed. Visitors and residents alike will appreciate the informational exercise. $10 per person. Tours are from 11:00 to 1:00, rain or shine.
Sunday Afternoon With . . . Katy Tahja, Dec. 22, 4-5pm
Local author Katy Tahja has just published her latest book, “An Eclectic History of Mendocino County.” Copies are flying off the shelves at bookstores, but we will have gift-wrapped copies signed by the author available to purchase here at Kelley House. During this casual one-hour presentation, Katy will entertain us with a trivia quiz covering fascinating topics in our county’s history. White deer? Tobacco farms? Find out more at the Kelley House on December 22nd at 4:00. Admission is $7 and $5 for members.
Information and Directions
The Kelley House Museum is located a 45007 Albion Street in Mendocino. Parking is available on Main Street or Albion Street. Regular hours are Fridays through Mondays, 11:00 to 3:00. Contact us at (707) 937-5791 or [email protected]. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!