Menifee History Museum celebrates one-year anniversary

Menifee Valley Historical Association board member Betty Bouris (center) welcomes one of many guests who attended the Menifee History Museum’s anniversary event on Sunday. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

Local residents turned out in large numbers to visit the Menifee History Museum during a celebration of the facility’s one-year anniversary n Sunday.

Members of the Menifee Valley Historical Association were on hand to answer questions and describe to visitors the many artifacts and photos on display. The museum is open from 1-4 p.m. every Sunday in the former Menifee Elementary School, located at 26301 Garbani Road.

Through donations from many individuals, grants providing funding and the hard work of volunteers, the museum includes many exhibits describing the history of the area. Guests can learn about Luther Menifee Wilson, for whom the city is named; the history of mining in the area; Menifee’s agricultural roots; history of local school houses; origins of the Sun City community; and personal effects of many individuals whose descendants still live locally.

Guests also had the opportunity to view one of the newest displays in the museum – an exhibit of Native American artifacts found in the area. Canyon Lake resident Paul Price, who grew up in the area, has devoted years studying the Native American inhabitants of what became Menifee. He was available to answer questions from guests about tools, toys and other items made from natural elements by Native Americans.

Display boards and posters depict scenes from the early 1900s, when only a few pioneer families inhabited the area. There also are albums with many photos donated by local families and catalogued by Historical Association members. In addition, a book about Menifee’s history, written by board members Elinor Martin and Betty Bouris, was available for sale.

To commemorate the one-year anniversary, representatives of Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez’s office and Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley’s office presented proclamations to the board members.

Historical Association members also take mobile displays to classrooms to educate students about the history of the area.

For more information about the museum and the Menifee Valley Historical Association, visit www.menifeehistory.com.

One of the displays at the Menifee History Museum depicts early mining efforts in the area.

Guests view a part of the agriculture display that describes the aspects of beekeeping in Menifee.

Display cases hold items used by residents of Menifee in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Representatives of Riverside County Supervisor Marion Ashley's office and Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez's office present certificates to board members (from left) Bill Zimmerman, Julie Zimmerman and Elinor Martin. City Council member John Denver is at far right.