Mendocino County Museum
History:
The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.
The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.
With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.
With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.
Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.
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AARP Events for Willits
AARP Events for Willits
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A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga
Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT
Zoom
Online Event
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Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All
Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT
Zoom
Online Event
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A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All
Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT
Zoom
Online Event
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"Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/willits-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an" name="description"/> <meta content="Mendocino, County, Museum, Willits, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.413101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-123.346001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/willits-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } 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class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WILLITS-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/willits-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an" name="description"/> <meta content="Mendocino, County, Museum, Willits, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.413101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-123.346001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/willits-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/willits-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WILLITS-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpca/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an" name="description"/> <meta content="Mendocino, County, Museum, Willits, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.413101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-123.346001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/willits-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP California Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />California</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WILLITS-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" 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(int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/willits-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an" name="description"/> <meta content="Mendocino, County, Museum, Willits, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.413101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-123.346001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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</div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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} </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an" name="description"/> <meta content="Mendocino, County, Museum, Willits, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.413101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-123.346001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/willits-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> 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role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/willits-ca/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/willits-ca/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/willits-ca/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/willits-ca/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/willits-ca/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/willits-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Mendocino County Museum - Willits, CA"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an" name="description"/> <meta content="Mendocino, County, Museum, Willits, CA" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Mendocino County Museum"/> <meta property="og:description" content="History: The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="39.413101"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-123.346001"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Mendocino County Museum</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>400 East Commercial Street</div> <div> <span>Willits</span>, <span>CA</span> <span>95490</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.co.mendocino.ca.us/museum/" target="_blank">Mendocino County Museum</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 707-459-2736</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Mendocino+County+Museum%2C+400+East+Commercial+Street%2C+Willits%2C+CA+95490" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>History:</p> <p>The Mendocino County Historical Society, a broad-based society for the preservation of local history, was incorporated in 1956 and grew into an organization of several hundred by the 1960s. With a growing collection and interest in display of historic artifacts, MCHS made establishment of a museum their prime project in the late 1960s. Their fund-raising efforts, largely by publishing articles and books on local and regional history, proved successful in attracting substantial donations.</p> <p>The Society negotiated a 99-year lease for $1 per year with the City of Willits, on East Commercial Street, the planned prime exit from the proposed freeway into Willits. Architect J. Boyd Brown of Oakland, and Willits Contractor, George L. Recagno were engaged by the Society to build a suitable museum of 11,000 square feet on the newly leased property, formerly the site of the Willits Airport. During construction, the Society negotiated an agreement with the County of Mendocino to operate the new museum as a distinct department of county government, responsible for staffing, facility maintenance and operations. The Society and Museum would continue publications, operate a Book & Gift Store, and initially institute a general admission fee. All monies generated by the Museum were to be used for museum programming.</p> <p>With the first staff hired and merger with the former Willits Frontier Museum, sorting of artifacts and formation of the first exhibits was done in the early months of 1972. The Mendocino County Museum was opened in a grand ceremony of transfer from the Mendocino County Historical Society to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors on June 11, 1972. With a large space to fill, including an upstairs gallery for changing displays and events, the Museum developed many exhibits and an events schedule, but over the years, space was needed for an expanded book store, a research library, and conservation work. The State of California mandated that counties establish commissions to govern historic and archaeological site significance, a responsibility passed to the Museum department in 1977.</p> <p>With an ever expanding collection of historic logging and railroad equipment, a volunteer organization of railroad buffs adopted a project of restoring some logging equipment acquired by the Museum. Their work was so successful and their own collection grew so rapidly that they incorporated as a not-for-profit organization, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. in 1984. Today, Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and the Museum are an effective team in the preservation of local and regional logging and railroad history.</p> <p>Eventually, as more and more artifacts were incorporated into exhibits, there was little remaining space for temporary shows and large events, and this aspect of programming was diminished, while artifact collections and archival materials grew. By the late 1970s and early 80s, the Museum was publishing several books per year, and had embarked on the arduous task of cataloging and refining diverse collections. In the 1980s, the role of preserving County Archives passed to the Museum Department. When the end of the century approached, plans were made to expand the facility to provide artifact storage space, double the size of the public exhibition area, and provide for classrooms, a conference room, archival reading room, conservation laboratory, office and library space for Roots of Motive Power, Inc. and an Engine House, where real, full-size railroad equipment could be displayed. An addition of 20,000 square feet was completed in 2003. The Willits Center of Mendocino College holds classes at the Museum. The Engine House was connected to the Roots Maintenance and Restoration building via standard gauge railroad track, and in 2007 the long awaited "Loop" track was completed allowing Roots to give train rides on a three-quarter mile loop of track adjacent to the Museum.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/willits-ca/report/place/mendocino-county-museum-willits-ca.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/willits-ca/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Willits</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-maine-yoga-with-sea-change-yoga-november-2024-dwn5382699b.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-CLASS-IN-GENTLE-CHAIR-YOGA">A Virtual Class in Gentle Chair Yoga</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 5:30 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-friday-strength-conditioning-112224-lfnfsg5wz8g.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-FRIDAY-A-STRENGTH-CONDITIONING-WORKOUT-FOR-ALL">Fitness Friday: A Strength & Conditioning Workout for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 7:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-co-virtual-hatha-yoga-with-teri-mullen-online-co-111-12132024-46n842qg24q.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-VIRTUAL-HATHA-YOGA-CLASS-FOR-ALL">A Virtual Hatha Yoga Class for All</a></h2> <p class="time">Friday, Nov 22, 2024 at 8:00 a.m. PT</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/willits-ca/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-WILLITS-CA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } 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class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:CAaarp@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">CAaarp@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/california/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP California</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-california/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-WILLITS-CA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarpcalifornia" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPCA" 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