About the Exhibits

California in the 1840's was just beginning to blossom and flourish. Gold had not yet been discovered but there was an active fur trade, whaling boats plied the coast from Mexico to Alaska, establishing colonies as supply stations and temporary housing for their crews. Monterey was a bustling town of seamen, trappers, soldiers, and ranchers with a fine fort to protect the increasing numbers of travelers as the word of this new territory reached Eastern shores, indeed the world. Ranchos on thousands of acres of land produced cattle for a thriving trade in hides. But, to the newcomer, it was the land and the hope of a new life that drew immigrants from every corner of the globe. The discovery of gold brought about the greatest surge of immigrants to the West that our country has every known, to a land that was ill prepared to handle this onslaught. Land held by Ohlones and Californios for hundreds of years was quickly engulfed by the new settlers and villages grew overnight. Tradesmen, educators, merchants, farmers and workmen from other countries brought their skills with them to forge a new beginning here in California.

It is this tumultuous period in our history that we have chosen to focus on in the Museum of Local History, from the 1840's to pre-World War II, telling the story of the pioneers who settled in Washington Township. They left behind a rich heritage, which we are dedicated to not only preserve but to present as an incredible moving history, alive with valuable lessons in survival, yet ready to celebrate the joys of their new found freedom and eager to contribute to the well being of their communities.

 
In the Museum you will find exhibits about the

• Early elementary schools
• First high school in the Washington Township
• Mission Mercantile
• Livery Stable
• Film making in Niles
• Early Post Offices
• Benbow Family
• Ice Age mammal fossils found at the nearby Bell Quarry