Eaton House Museum: A Victorian Gem in Redding
Discover Redding's Victorian past at the Eaton House Museum, featuring historical artifacts, fashion, and stories of the Behrens-Eaton family.
The Eaton House Museum, also known as the Behrens-Eaton Museum, invites visitors to experience life in an 1895 Victorian home in Redding, California. This captivating museum showcases the history of Shasta County through diverse exhibits spanning from the 1800s to the present. The museum's collection is enriched by four generations of the Behrens and Eaton families, who were avid collectors of local history. Visitors can view unique artifacts dating back to the mid-1800s, offering a glimpse into the lives of early Redding residents. Highlights include an extensive collection of 19th-century fashion, featuring items like corsets, top hats, and Edna Eaton's wedding dress, as well as Judge Eaton's childhood suits. Judge Eaton was a local historian and a judge in Shasta County. He was also a collector of historical memorabilia, and when he died in 2003, he created a trust to share it all with the public. The museum also houses Judge Eaton's collection of military artifacts from WWI and WWII, reflecting his service as an army Captain and Major. The museum includes a library with historical books, journals, and Judge Eaton's personal writings. The Behrens-Eaton House, built in 1895, displays furnishings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Docent-led tours provide insights into the house, the family, and the artifacts.
Local tips
- Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday for a more quiet and personal experience.
- Engage with the docents to hear insider stories about the artifacts and the Behrens-Eaton family.
- Check the museum's website for special events and updated tour schedules.
- Allow at least an hour to fully appreciate the exhibits and the museum's collections.
A brief summary to Eaton House Museum
- 1520 West St, Redding, Magnolia, California, 96001, US
- +1530-241-3454
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 1 pm-4 pm
Getting There
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Walking
If you are starting from downtown Redding, head west on California Street towards Market Street. Continue straight for about 0.5 miles until you reach West Street. Turn left onto West Street and continue walking for approximately 0.3 miles. The Eaton House Museum will be on your left at 1520 West St. There is no fee for entry.
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Public Transport
From the Redding City Hall, walk to the nearest bus stop at the corner of California Street and Market Street. Take the Route 1 bus towards 'Shasta College'. After approximately 6 stops (around 15 minutes), get off at the 'West St & Cypress Ave' stop. From there, walk west on Cypress Avenue until you reach West Street. Turn right on West Street and walk for about 0.2 miles until you arrive at Eaton House Museum located at 1520 West St. A single ride on RABA (Redding Area Bus Authority) costs approximately $1.25.
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Driving
From I-5, take the Cypress Avenue exit and head west. Continue on Cypress Avenue until you reach West Street. Turn right onto West Street and drive for about 0.2 miles. The Eaton House Museum will be on your left at 1520 West St. Parking is available in the parking lot next to the home. Parking is free.
