Sacramento Valley Museum: A Step Back in Time

Discover the Sacramento Valley's past at this regional museum housed in a historic former high school. Open mid-March through October!

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Sacramento Valley Museum

Housed in the former Williams High School, the Sacramento Valley Museum showcases the rich history of the Sacramento Valley from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries through fascinating artifacts, textiles, and documents. Explore exhibits that bring the past to life in this unique regional museum.

A brief summary to Sacramento Valley Museum

1491 E St, Williams, California, 95987, US
+1530-473-2978
Visit website

Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

Check the museum's operating hours before visiting, as it is only open from mid-March through October, Thursday through Saturday.
Admission to the museum is free, but donations are appreciated to support its operation and preservation efforts.
Consider calling ahead to schedule a group or private tour for a more in-depth experience.

Getting There

Driving

From Interstate 5, take the exit for CA-20 toward Williams. Head east into Williams. Turn left onto E Street. The Sacramento Valley Museum will be on your left at 1491 E Street. Parking is available on the street.
Public Transport

From Sacramento, take the Yuba-Sutter Transit bus to Walton Ave at Sunsweet. From there, you will need to take a taxi to the museum in Williams, which is approximately 42 minutes. The taxi fare will be approximately $100-$140.

Discover more about Sacramento Valley Museum

The Sacramento Valley Museum, located in Williams, California, offers a captivating glimpse into the region's past. The museum is located in the old Williams High School building, constructed in 1911, which served as the town's high school from 1912 to 1956. After the high school moved to a new location, the building sat vacant for six years before local residents transformed it into a museum, opening its doors in 1964. The museum's exhibits showcase the history of the Sacramento Valley from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries. Visitors can explore displays of historical photographs, artifacts, textiles, quilts, manuscripts, documents, and vintage newspapers. Permanent exhibits include a 19th-century-style general store and a room representing businesses that could be found throughout Colusa County in the late 19th century, such as hotels, barber shops, and hot springs resorts. Newer exhibits are dedicated to those who served in military conflicts from the Civil War to the current generation, and a display focuses on the Chinese population that once called the region home. The Sacramento Valley Museum Association is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and promoting interest in the historical development of the Sacramento Valley region. The museum also hosts events and offers research opportunities, with the Colusa County Historical Records Room providing access to a larger collection. The museum building is available for rent for meetings, parties, and other special events.

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Sacramento Valley Museum: A Step Back in Time

A brief summary to Sacramento Valley Museum

Local tips

Getting There

Driving

Public Transport

Unlock the Best of Sacramento Valley Museum

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Sacramento Valley Museum

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Historic Marysville

California Historical Landmark #851

Lavaive

Oroville Chinese Temple

Gold Country Casino Resort

Rancho Chico and Bidwell Abode

Atkinson House

Sequoia Grove Winery

Site of George Yount's Blockhouse

Nisipowinan Village California Historical Landmark No. 900

I Street Bridge

Mama Marks Park

Big Four Building

Charles Rovegno House

Central Pacific Railroad Freight Depot

Unmissable attractions to see

NorCal Escape Co.

Pope Valley Winery

California Agriculture Museum & Event Center

Oak Shores Day Use Area

Spirit of Sacramento

Lake Berryessa

Mother Orange Tree of Butte County

River Fox Train

Glory Hole

Reverie II Vineyard & Winery

Chateau Montelena

Old Faithful Geyser of California

Sterling Vineyards

Castello di Amorosa

Wake Island Waterpark

Essential places to dine

The Restaurant

Mustards Grill

Brix

The Pilothouse Restaurant at the Delta King

Honey and The Trapcat

Railroad Fish & Chips

Rio City Cafe

Joe's Crab Shack

Bear & Crown British Pub

ReUnion Kitchen & Bar

La Terraza

Fanny Ann's Saloon

The Firehouse Restaurant

Bottega Napa Valley

Yard House

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Sacramento Shop - Atrium 916

Cali Way

Visions of Eden

Evangeline's

Old Sacramento Trading Post

Mea Vita

Garden of Enchantment

Old Sac Shirts & Gifts

Kolores

Blu Nile Art

Gearhead Gift Shop

Pregame Vintage

Antique Annie's

Capitol Books & Gifts

The Constellation Marketplace

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Brannan Manor Restaurant & Spirits

Vega's

Last Stop Saloon

The Other Office