Menifee History Museum celebrates one-year anniversary

Menifee Valley Historical Association President Elinor Martin and board member Julie Zimmerman set up displays at the Menifee History Museum, which is preparing to celebrate its one-year anniversary. Photo courtesy of Bill Zimmerman

Courtesy of Menifee Valley Historical Association

For the last year, local residents of all ages have enjoyed going back in time to see what took place in Menifee’s past. Native American artifacts dating back thousands of years, along with exhibits and displays that depict gold mining, farming and one-room schoolhouses built in the 1800’s are set up in the Menifee History Museum, which was created using a classroom at the shuttered Menifee Elementary School.

"It’s hard to believe that a year has passed since our grand opening," said Elinor Martin, president of the Menifee Valley Historical Association.

Her volunteer group appreciates the Menifee Union School District for allowing use of the classroom for the museum. It has been a symbiotic relationship; young students in the district can learn about local history. Docents also provide field trip tours for scout troops and youth attending the Boys & Girls Club next door.

The museum has been enhanced since opening last year. Custom displays and educational reader rails were constructed using a grant from the Valley Health System. Historical items have recently been donated from private collections that help depict the area’s rural lifestyle prior to electricity and phone service arriving in our valley. Viewers can learn about homesteaders and early pioneer families whose names are familiar because major streets and schools have been named in their honor.

On Sunday, May 21, the organization will host a special event honoring the first anniversary of its museum with free tours, family activities, a BBQ and refreshments.

"We welcome Menifee residents to attend and celebrate its history museum," said Martin, who was born and raised here. "It should be an enjoyable afternoon."

Along with the museum, the Historical Association has been busy working with Menifee’s Community Services staff to install monuments at locations of historical significance. The group is also working with the City’s Public Works department on a new "Highway 395 Recognition Program", which includes installing sign posts and painted stencil emblems along Antelope and Encanto roads.

At the museum, which is located on Garbani Road just east of Murrieta Road, docents are busy giving tours on Sunday afternoons. They have created a badge earning program for children who visit. A special embroidered patch is awarded to those who answer a few questions on a printed form designed for kids.

The public is encouraged to visit the Menifee History Museum, which is open Sundays from 1-4 p.m. Admission is free. Please visit www.menifeehistory.com