Walnut Creek Historical Society and Shadelands Ranch Historical Museum [CA]

Description

The Walnut Creek Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Walnut Creek, California. To this end, the society operates the Shadelands Ranch Historical Museum, located within a 1903 residence. The museum presents topics relevant to local history.

The museum offer exhibits, tours, archival access, and a living history program for third grade students. Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more.

Weaverville Joss House State Historic Park [CA]

Description

The temple is the oldest continuously used Chinese temple in California. On display are art objects, pictures, mining tools, and weapons used in the 1854 Tong War. This Taoist temple is still a place of worship and a fascinating look into the role played by Chinese immigrants in early California history. The temple was built in 1874 as a replacement for another that had burned. Many of the historical objects have been restored and the structure itself stabilized.

The park offers exhibits, tours, and educational and recreational events.

USS Midway Museum [CA]

Description

The USS Midway is the longest serving 20th-century U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Collections include 25 restored aircraft, dating from World War II through Operation Desert Storm. The majority of exhibits display the various functions of the rooms and sections aboard the Midway.

The museum offers traditional and interactive exhibits; films; three flight simulators; music videos; hands-on aircraft; two audio tours—one of which is designed for students; guided tours; a one-hour narrated video tour; docents available to answer questions; youth overnight programs; and educational programs which meet state educational standards. Reservations are required for guided tours. The site is approximately 60 percent wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available upon request. Student audio tours are available in English and Spanish.

Sonoma County Museum [CA]

Description

The Sonoma County Museum presents the 19th- and 20th-century history of Sonoma County, California; and provides a location for community gatherings. The museum is housed within the 1909 Renaissance Revival Santa Rosa Post Office and Federal Building, among the first 12 federally erected buildings in California. The museum collection consists of nearly 25,000 artifacts, including contemporary artworks.

The museum offers exhibits, 45-minute guided tours, 45- to 60-minute educational outreach programs, outreach slide presentations of past exhibits, and activities. The activities are intended for classroom use. Two weeks notice is required for school tours. The website offers more than 10 teacher's guides.

Maturango Museum [CA]

Description

The Maturango Museum presents the geology and cultural and natural histories of the Northern Mojave Desert. Artifacts on display include mammoth and bison fossils, items from the Native American populations of California, a Sidewinder missile, and local minerals. The grounds hold a desert garden.

The museum offers exhibits, a hands-on children's area, a garden, lectures, concerts, and an art gallery.

Moraga Historical Society and History Center [CA]

Description

The Moraga Historical Society seeks to preserve and share the history of Rancho Laguna de los Palos Colorados—now Moraga, Orinda, and Lafayette, CA. The rancho, created in 1841, was a 13,316-acre land grant awarded to Joaquin Moraga and Juan Bernal by the Mexican government. To achieve their goal, the society operates a history center with artifacts and archival materials.

The society offers exhibits and archival access.

Gustine Historical Society [CA]

Description

From the society website: "The Gustine Historical Society seeks to uncover, preserve and disseminate knowledge about the history of Gustine and the "West Side" of California." The society runs a local history museum as well as a history center, which is research focused.

The society offers research resources and self-guided tours of the museum. The website offers a history of Gustine, visitor information, and an extensive photo gallery.