Kelley House Museum facts for kids
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| Location | 45007 Albion Street, Mendocino, California |
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The Kelley House Museum is a special place in Mendocino, California. It is a house museum, which means it's a historic house that has been turned into a museum. You can find it at 45007 Albion Street in Mendocino.
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What is the Kelley House Museum?
The Kelley House Museum opened its doors in 1973. Its main goal is to collect, keep safe, and share the amazing history of the Mendocino Coast. It helps visitors understand what life was like in the 1800s. The museum also shows how important the logging and shipping industries were to Mendocino.
Exploring Mendocino's Past
The museum teaches about the early days of Mendocino. It focuses on how people lived and worked long ago. You can see tools and items from the logging industry. This was when people cut down trees to make wood. The museum also shows how ships were used to move goods.
Life in the 1800s
Inside the Kelley House, you can imagine what a home looked like in the 1800s. The museum displays everyday items from that time. This helps you see how families lived without modern technology. It's like stepping back in time to see their furniture, clothes, and tools.
The Story of the Frolic Ship
The museum has a cannon that tells an interesting story. This cannon was found by divers in the 1960s. It came from a ship called the Frolic. A "brig" is a type of sailing ship with two masts. The Frolic was wrecked in 1850. This happened near Point Cabrillo, which is a few miles north of Mendocino.
How Mendocino Began
When the Frolic ship crashed, people came to investigate. This event helped start the timber industry in the area. Timber means wood from trees. Mendocino itself was founded in 1852. It began as a community for logging. It was first called Meiggsville, named after Henry Meiggs, who was involved in the timber business. Later, it became known as Mendocino.
Visiting the Museum
The Kelley House Museum is a great place to start if you want to explore Mendocino. It is the beginning point for a popular walking tour of the town. The museum also has a special area for storing and researching historical items. This facility is open to visitors and is the only one of its kind on the Mendocino California Coast.
