Live
Theatre
Willits Community Theatre Playhouse
37 W. Van Ln., Willits, CA 95490
(707) 459-2281
The theatre has over a twenty-year history of producing exceptional plays,
melodramas, poetry readings and specialty acts. Contact the theatre office for information
on current events or visit the Willits Community Theatre web site at www.allaboutwct.org
Movie Theatre
Noyo Theatre
57 E. Commercial St., Willits, CA 95490
(707) 459-6660
The theatre was recently refurbished and now offers three theatres with
Dolby Digital Sound. Open daily. Call for current movie schedule.
Museums
Mendocino County Museum
400 E. Commercial St., Willits, CA 95490
(707) 459-2736
The Museum
preserves some aspects of the rich and diverse history of the County of Mendocino with its
extensive collection of artifacts, archives, and publications. Long-term exhibits
include the artistry and utilitarian work of the Pomo people who inhabited the region
prior to the current era. 19th century, frontier California is
represented by a collection of horse-drawn vehicles including an unrestored, “Star
Route” stagecoach that once connected the interior valleys with mail and passengers
and the California State Legislature has appointed Mendocino County Museum the official
depository for artifacts from the 1850 Shipwreck
“Frolic” with its rich history involving local Indians with the
lumber industry, and modern archaeological findings. The 20th century is portrayed
by several significant exhibitions. Life as travelers knew it before the advent of
fast-food chain eateries, is represented by the entire interior of Willits Creamery which was a favorite with locals as
well as travelers along the remarkable Redwood Highway.
A complete dentist’s office circa 1950, and a general store from the coastal
town of Manchester provide two unique views of daily life. Other exhibits on Ridgewood Ranch: Home of Seabiscuit explaining the
relationship of the famous racehorse with the local ranch where he is buried, is
complimented with a 1960s Hippie Van which
gives a glimpse into significant cultural changes over the past two centuries.
In 2003, a new wing of the museum was completed featuring galleries for presenting the
history of regional transportation, and an Engine House with two railroad sidings that
allow for the display and demonstration of historic trains and logging equipment inside
the museum. Roots of Motive Power, Inc., a
volunteer organization associated with the museum, collects, preserves, and demonstrates a
fine collection of railroad and timber equipment in a space adjacent to the east side of
the museum including a “loop track” nearly three-quarters of a mile long, and
much more machinery.
Academically, Mendocino County Museum
houses an extensive research archival collection including a fine library of early California
history, Albion Lumber Company documents, School Records back to the 1860s, the papers of Enid Hilton an early social worker of Mendocino County
and friend of D.H. Lawrence. Students, writers, and history researchers may make
appointments to access collections that have been made accessible by professional indexing
and archiving. A comprehensive Book &
Gift Store, featuring works of local history published by Grassroots History Publications, the publishing
branch of the museum, and items related to the museum’s exhibits are available.
Mendocino County Museum is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday,
10:00 to 4:30, and welcomes visitors. Located in easy walking distance east of the
famed “Skunk” train depot in Willits, the Museum is a key player in the East Commercial Street Cultural Complex. We look forward to your
visit. Admission is Free, and of course donations are always welcome.
Roots
of Motive Power-Antique Steam Logging Equipment Display
400 E. Commercial St., Willits, CA 95490
(707) 459-2736
Located next to the museum. This is an outdoor display of authentic,
working antique steam-powered logging equipment. Members of this volunteer organization
work tirelessly throughout the year to preserve part of our history. During special events
the equipment is "steamed-up" and the public can see how the equipment was used
during the 1800's. The Roots of Motive Power Festival is held in September each year.
Visitors are treated to an actual working demonstration of the equipment.
Museums in the County
Grace Hudson Museum and The Sun House
431 S. Main St., Ukiah, CA 95482
(707) 462-3370
The museum, Sun House and Hudson-Carpenter Park, occupies 4.5 landscaped
acres in Ukiah. The museum houses exhibits of Grace Hudson's sensitive portraits of native
Pomo, Native American art and ethnography, local history, and, periodically , the work of
Mendocino County's best living artists. The Sun House is an impressive Craftsman bungalow
built for the Hudsons (1911) by architect-artist George Wilcox. The Sun House is a
national Register property and California Historical landmark #926. Open Weds.-Sat.,
10am-4:30pm. Closed major holidays. (Summer only-open Tues. 10am-4pm.) Donations.
The Guest House Museum and Fort Building
343 N. Main St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437
(707) 961-2825
Fort Building
430 N. Franklin St., Fort Bragg, CA 95437
Guest House is open Weds-Sun., 10am-4pm., early April through October. Fort
Building is open Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm. Closed major holidays. Admission Free. The Guest
House Museum is a three-story Victorian (1892) built for C.R. Johnson, Union Lumber
Company's founder and first mayor of Fort Bragg. Artifacts, equipment and
photographs depicting local history are on display. Exterior displays include steam
donkeys and railroad locomotives. The Fort Building is the only remaining structure
of the 1857-1864 military post. The building contains pictures and narrative reports of
post history and a model of the fort.
Kelley House Museum
45007 Albion St., Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-5791
The museum was the original home of William Kelley (1861). It offers
exhibits on the cultural heritage of the Mendocino Coast. There is an extensive collection
of historical photographs, local genealogical data, publications and research materials.
The facility is enhanced by a pond and gardens planted in native and historic species.
Museum open Fri.-Mon., 1pm-4pm, or call for an appointment. Office and research open
Tues.-Fri., 9am- 4pm. Admission free.
Ford House Visitor Center and Museum
Main St., Mendocino, CA 95460
(707) 937-5397
Ford House was built by Jerome Bursley Ford, a co-owner of the Mendocino
Lumber Company, one of the first Mendocino coast saw mills.The Ford House is a visitor
center for the Mendocino Headlands State Park. Inside the museum is a miniature model of
the Village of Mendocino as it existed in 1890. Pomo Indian artifacts, natural history and
changing exhibits are all housed in this facility. Open 10am-5pm daily. Free admission.
Anderson Valley Historical Museum
Highway 128, Boonville, CA 95415
(707) 895-3207
Open Fri.-Sun., 1pm-4pm., with longer summer hours. Closed Dec. 10th-Jan.
10th. Donations.
Tours
Ridgewood
Ranch - Home of Seabiscuit
The Seabiscuit Heritage Foundation
c/o Ridgewood Ranch, 16200 Highway 101, Willits, CA 95460
(707) 459-5992
Docent led tours on select Saturdays May - October (reservations required.)
Drop-in tours available. Visit link above for details.
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