Menifee Historical Museum Now Open Every Sunday

Members of the Menifee Valley Historical Association got a preview of the Menifee Historical Museum May 21. Menifee 24/7 photos: Kristen Spoon and Kaylee Faucher

Having held its Grand Opening on May 22, the Menifee Historical Museum is now beginning its regular hours of 1-4 p.m. on Sundays.

This is the culmination of months of effort by members of the Menifee Valley Historical Association to collect artifacts and photos and prepare the museum, which is housed in a classroom of the former Menifee Elementary School on Garbani Road east of Murrieta Road.

Detailed displays include artifacts from the early days of Menifee, including mining tools, through the busiest period of farming in the area. Photos, artifacts and banners tell the story of Menifee's pioneer families, early schools and much more.

"Many of us have worked since September to see what we have here in order to get it ready to show the history of Menifee," said Elinor Martin, president of the Menifee Valley Historical Association. "Teachers can come here and use this as a resource for students. Everyone is welcome."

With help from Historical Association member Robert O'Donnell, the association received a grant from Valley Health Systems to help fund the museum, specifically a display that shows how Menifee's history as a farming community has contributed to local residents' apprecation of healthy living. Another grant from the Rhynard Family Foundation funded new display cases for the museum.

There are also displays celebrating the legacy of Sun City and Quail Valley, two communities in Menifee with rich histories.

For more information about the Menifee Valley Historical Association, visit their website, www.menifeehistory.com.