Chico History Museum

06/15/2026

Some really interesting history on the portrait of John Bidwell from our friends at the Bidwell Mansion Association!

06/11/2026

Father’s Day is coming up on June 21st! Looking for a special gift idea? Get dad a museum membership with special perks and discounts to our events, or stop by our gift shop! We have books, mugs, t-shirts, and more we know your favorite history enthusiast will love.

We’re open Thursday through Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM. See you soon!

06/08/2026

That's a wrap on our Spring Lecture Series! Thank you so much to our last speaker, California State University, Chico's very own university photographer, Jason Halley.

Jason spoke about capturing history through photography, showcasing many of his photos that reflect the changes through time at Chico State, or sometimes, reflecting how things stay the same. From capturing changes in buildings, moments of student joy and success, to the devastating events of the 2018 Camp Fire and its impact, Jason beautifully captures defining moments that make up important parts of Chico's history.

Stay tuned for an announcement on our Fall Lecture Series!

Photos:
1) Jason Halley speaking at the Chico History Museum
2) Jason Halley, Chico State University Photographer
3) Kendall Hall 1969, Chico State Special Collections
4) Kendall Hall 2024, Jason Halley
5) Chico State Library 1969, Chico State Special Collections
6) Meriam Library 2025, Jason Halley

05/06/2026

100 years ago today in the Chico newspaper.
May 5th, 1926.

05/03/2026

The 8th Annual Chico Classic Pickleball Tournament Presented by Allworth Financial is off to a phenomenal start on Day 1, highlighting the powerful bond of community and competitive spirit. Huge congratulations to our champion teams and heartfelt thanks to our dedicated volunteers, supporters, and vendors who have brought this event to life.

We're looking forward to Day 2 tomorrow, Mixed Doubles, at 8AM, where momentum builds with Potato Bake and Smashed back in action; our Massage Therapist will be onsite at the Players' Lounge to help players recharge. Don't miss the Chico History Museum hosting a raffle drawing at noon – grab your tickets onsite now for a chance at fantastic prizes and be part of a day that embodies community, teamwork, and playing for a cause. See you on the courts!

Tin Roof Bakery & Cafe Chico Air Museum Fleet Feet Chico Play It Again Sports - Chico, CA

04/28/2026

04/27/2026

Some of the best stories about pickleball in Chico don’t come from a court—they come from the people who built it.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Bob Martin and Mike Kunkis to talk about how it all started here in our community. From those early days of makeshift courts and small groups of curious players, they helped spark something that would grow into the vibrant pickleball scene we know today.

I also spent time with Rich Gitelson, who shared what it took to bring the Chico Classic back in 2022 after the COVID pause. With little momentum at the time, he stepped in and rebuilt the tournament—helping reignite the community and carry the sport forward into what it has become today.

Together, these stories connect the full arc of Chico pickleball—from its grassroots beginnings to the thriving, tournament-driven community we see now—supported by the ongoing efforts of the Chico Classic tournament committee.

That history is something worth celebrating—and preserving.

Join us as we bring those stories to life at a special Players’ Reception hosted at the Chico History Museum on May 1st from 4:00–7:00 PM.

We’re especially excited to have Bob Martin as a featured speaker, sharing firsthand stories from the early days of pickleball in Chico.

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, connect with fellow players, and experience our featured exhibit: “Chico Pickleball: A Community Story.”

We warmly invite the pioneers who helped start it all, our generous sponsors, and the dedicated volunteers who continue to make this event possible—this celebration is for you.

🎟️ Players can also pick up their tournament T-shirts, swag bags, and raffle tickets at the event.

This is more than a kickoff—it’s a celebration of the people, history, and community behind Chico pickleball.

RSVP here: https://chicohistorymuseum.org/event-6625624

04/22/2026

100 years ago today in the Chico newspaper.
April 22nd, 1922.

12/27/2025

We have a new book in our shop, by local author