Museum History

The journey to establish the Campbell Historical Museum spans four decades.  Local community activists Jeanette Watson and the Campbell County Women’s Club took early steps in 1960’s advocating and fundraising for a Museum.  The Campbell Historical Museum first opened doors in January 1964.  Over the years, the Museum’s location and stewardship changed many times.

In 1983 the Museum moved into the historic Fire House which had been vacant. The Fire House was the first public building erected in Campbell when the town incorporated in 1952. It served as not only the fire house but also the first City Hall and Council Chambers. After a year of renovations, the museum opened to the public in 1984 and hired its first full-time staff member. At this time a non-profit support group, the Campbell Historical Museum Association (later to become the Campbell Historical Museum & Ainsley House Foundation) was formed to help raise additional funds for the museum. In 1995 a flood occurred in the Fire House damaging much of the exhibits and collections. The museum closed for several years to undergo renovation. In 2000 the museum opened its doors again with all new exhibits that change throughout the year.

The Campbell Historical Museum offers artifacts and memorabilia that help us interpret and recall the vanishing world of Santa Clara’s past. Visit a "General Store" that served as the community center, examine an early parlor and the early examples of "Decorative Arts" in early Campbell, discover the roots of Campbell's agricultural past, and explore hometown music and drama as early forms of recreation. “Please Touch” displays in each of the four thematic areas allow you to get a feel and closer glimpse into the Valley’s history.

Additionally we have an acclaimed education program that has received outstanding “marks” from teachers and students from many districts in our county, and the interactive exhibits establish a rich link to our valley’s past for visitors.

Hours: Thursday - Sunday
12:00pm to 4:00pm 

Admission:
$2.00 adults
$2.00 seniors,
$2.00 youth (7-17)
Under 7 years free
School groups, by reservation only, are welcome Monday - Friday for the
Hands-on-History program.