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's a historic house that has been turned into a museum. You can find it at 45007 Albion Street in Mendocino.
This museum helps us learn about the rich history of the Mendocino Coast. It collects, protects, and shares stories and items from the past. You can discover what life was like in the 1800s. The museum also teaches about the important logging and shipping industries of the area.
It's a popular spot and often the starting point for walking tours of Mendocino. The Kelley House Museum also has a special research area. This is the only place like it on the Mendocino Coast that is open to visitors. It helps people study the local history.
Discover the Kelley House Museum
The Kelley House Museum opened its doors in 1973. Its main goal is to keep the history of the Mendocino Coast alive. It shows how people lived and worked many years ago. You can see old tools, furniture, and everyday items from the 1800s.
Mendocino's Early Days
Mendocino was founded in 1852. It started as a logging town. The area was full of tall trees, perfect for timber. The town was first called Meiggsville. It was named after a businessman named Henry Meiggs.
A big event helped start the timber industry here. In 1850, a ship called the Frolic was wrecked. This happened a few miles north of Mendocino. It was near a place now known as Point Cabrillo.
The Frolic Shipwreck
Sport divers found a cannon from the Frolic in the 1960s. This cannon is now on display at the Kelley House Museum. When the Frolic wrecked, people sent explorers to the area. These explorers worked for Henry Meiggs.
Their discoveries led to the start of the timber business in Mendocino. The Mendocino Lumber Company grew from these early efforts. The museum helps us understand how important this history is to the town today.
