The demand for lumber to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake meant that maritime commerce on the north coast was at an all time high, and a lighthouse was critical to the safety of the ships and their valuable cargo. Construction of the Point Cabrillo Light Station began in 1908, and its lens, a British-build Fresnel lens, was illuminated for the first time in 1909. … [Read more...]
#24 – Ford House Museum
In 1851 Jerome Ford made his way overland to the Mendocino headlands, looking for salvage from the shipwrecked Frolic, which had met its fate off nearby Pt. Cabrillo the previous spring. He found no booty — local Pomo indians had beaten him to it — but he did discover vast stands of coast redwoods instead, and soon partnered with an eastern entrepreneur to establish both the … [Read more...]
#61 – Anderson Valley Museum
Intriguing Pomo Indian basketry, antique logging equipment and rich history await you at the Anderson Valley Museum. It is located in a century-old schoolhouse directly adjacent to Hwy 128 between Elk and Ukiah. Although the building is no longer used as a schoolhouse, as a museum it still teaches a great deal about the rich history of the Anderson Valley and Mendocino County. … [Read more...]
#72 – Grace Hudson Museum
The Grace Hudson Museum features the best of the region’s art, history and anthropology. Exhibits in the museum range in subject matter from Native American culture and Northern California coast history to the works of contemporary artists. The primary focus of the museum is the magnificent work of Grace Carpenter Hudson. She painted some of the most brilliant oil paintings of … [Read more...]
#83 – Mendocino County Museum
The Mendocino County Museum collects, conserves and celebrates the stories, artifacts, archives and lives of the people and places of Mendocino County. Stop by for current exhibits, and enduring favorites: a “hippie” van, stagecoaches, a recreated creamery, Pomo baskets, relics from the ill-fated clipper ship the “Frolic,” Seabiscuit’s friends, and a great Museum Shop. … [Read more...]
Triangle Tattoo & Museum, Fort Bragg
Experience Art with a Pulse Triangle Tattoo and Museum is one of the few public museums in the world dedicated to the display of tattoo artifacts. Founded in 1986 by tattooists Mr.G. and Madame Chinchilla, the museum houses portraits as well as exhibits of tattoos throughout history and across many different cultures. School and personal guided tours are given upon request. … [Read more...]