Museum of Riverside

Museum of Riverside The Museum houses over 200,000 artifacts in its collections and 2000 linear feet of archives in the disciplines of Natural History, Anthropology, and History.
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The Museum of Riverside is a center for learning and a community museum that collects, exhibits, and interprets cultural and natural history. 3 Museum sites: Downtown Main Museum (reno begins 2024), Heritage House, and NHL Harada House (under reno). The Museum of Riverside (formerly Riverside Metropolitan Museum/ Riverside Municipal Museum), a department of the City of Riverside, is the steward of

the public trust of artifacts, archives, and historic sites owned by the City of Riverside. The RMM is responsible for three historic sites: National Historic Landmark Harada House, and the National Register listed Museum and the Heritage House, a Victorian House Museum. Permanent and special exhibitions are on display throughout the year and are open to the public free of charge. The Museum also offers educational programs, special cultural events, and school programs.

Up in the attic of the main downtown Museum building, where few can safely venture, there's evidence of past workers.  S...
01/11/2025

Up in the attic of the main downtown Museum building, where few can safely venture, there's evidence of past workers. Several left their marks on attic beams, signing their names or nicknames. A couple include simple little drawings (not always fit for family viewing!). A few date their graffiti. This image, for example, is dated 1954, by "El Sapatero" (the shoemaker).

100 years ago today, Riverside’s oranges were ready to enjoy! A campaign titled “Greet ‘em with Oranges," pictured here,...
01/07/2025

100 years ago today, Riverside’s oranges were ready to enjoy! A campaign titled “Greet ‘em with Oranges," pictured here, encouraged tourism to the area with railway tours and plenty of that Inland Empire gold. 🍊🍊

Not ready for the holidays to end? 🎄 This is the final weekend to see the Victorian Christmas decor at Heritage House! W...
01/03/2025

Not ready for the holidays to end? 🎄 This is the final weekend to see the Victorian Christmas decor at Heritage House!

While you're here, don’t miss "Roaring Riverside: Fashions of the 1920s."

✨ Explore dazzling dresses and accessories once worn by fashionable Riversiders like Minerva Cook Estudillo and Frances Tetley Harthan. Picture these sparkling gowns at the Mission Inn or a lively night at the Loring Theater—perfect for a trip back in time. ✨

Book your tours here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tours-of-heritage-house-tickets-976415213187?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Rose Parade is a cultural institution in Southern California. Beginning in 1890, it was intended to “tell the world ...
01/01/2025

The Rose Parade is a cultural institution in Southern California. Beginning in 1890, it was intended to “tell the world about our paradise" where “our flowers are blooming and our oranges are about to bear” while the rest of the country was buried in snow. Riverside was present with flower-festooned horses and carriages in the first parade, seen here.

Kick off the Museum of Riverside’s next century with a last look at its centennial exhibition, “Dear Riverside, a Letter...
12/29/2024

Kick off the Museum of Riverside’s next century with a last look at its centennial exhibition, “Dear Riverside, a Letter to Our First Love.” The exhibition will reopen after the holidays for special hours during Artswalk on January 2 and First Sundays on January 5. Visit during these events to join our educators in a hands-on activity when you can share what you’d like to see from the Museum when we reopen.

Thursday, January 2 | Artswalk at CSJ&CL | 6–9 p.m.
Take one of your final opportunities to experience “Dear Riverside, a Letter to Our First Love.” Reflect on the past 100 years and help shape the next century by writing a letter to your future self and sharing your vision for the Museum’s future.

Friday, January 3 | "Mosses and Bryophytes of Southern California" | Community Room at the Main Library | 6:30–8 p.m.
Join Nights with the Museum and UCR botanist Chris Coshland for a fascinating introduction to mosses and bryophytes—ancient plants that have thrived on Earth for millions of years.

Sunday, January 5 | First Sundays: Last chance to see “Dear Riverside, a Letter to Our First Love” | 1–4 p.m.
Celebrate the final day of our centennial exhibition during this special First Sundays event. Take a journey through Riverside’s history, write a letter to your future self, and share your hopes for what the Museum’s next century might bring.

We hope you’ll join us as we reflect on the past and prepare for an exciting future together.

Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties

Happy Birthday, Sumi Harada! Sumi was born on December 25, 1909, in the United States 115 years ago. Sumi was an America...
12/25/2024

Happy Birthday, Sumi Harada!

Sumi was born on December 25, 1909, in the United States 115 years ago. Sumi was an American citizen by birth, which allowed her father to buy a house in her and her other American born siblings’ names during a time when Asian immigrants were legally forbidden from owning land. Sumi preserved the story of her family until her death, when her family donated the family home and the Harada Family Collection to the Museum of Riverside.

The Museum of Riverside is a grateful steward of the Harada Family Collection, which includes the National Historic Landmark Harada House, located in Riverside, California. This site and the story of the Harada Family embody local, state, national, and international issues of civil and individual rights, democracy, immigration, assimilation, and citizenship.

On National Roots Day, we’re honoring the deep roots of Riverside and the land that came long before the city’s founding...
12/23/2024

On National Roots Day, we’re honoring the deep roots of Riverside and the land that came long before the city’s founding. The Cahuilla, Gabrielino-Tongva, Luiseño, and Serrano peoples have cared for these lands for generations and continue to thrive in our local area. As Riverside began to grow in the late 1800s with the citrus boom and the arrival of so many diverse communities, it layered its story on top of these ancient roots, and it has continued to do so, adding to the richness of the city’s history and culture. Today, we celebrate all the layers of Riverside’s heritage. What part of Riverside’s story resonates with you? Share a memory, a favorite historic spot, or a connection in the comments. Images include a Japanese Association banquet honoring Frank Miller, a Mission Indian Federation session, the Women’s Uplifting Club, Spring Rancheria, and the Trujillo Adobe.

After 43 years of serving the Museum of Riverside, Dr. Brenda Buller Focht is retiring from her position as Museum Curat...
12/20/2024

After 43 years of serving the Museum of Riverside, Dr. Brenda Buller Focht is retiring from her position as Museum Curator. Her first exhibition for the Museum, in 1982, was entitled "‘20s Women: Changing Roles, Changing Fashions." Her final exhibition, "Roaring Riverside: Fashions of the 1920s," will be on display at Heritage House through February 16, 2025, bringing her exhibitions full circle.

Brenda has always pushed the Museum toward excellence, never accepting “no” as an answer. Her persistence and deep love of material culture will be remembered for generations, as will her legacy of connecting the Museum to local Indigenous peoples. We would say we’d miss her, but she’s already signed up to be a volunteer!

Its timeeee!! Time to mark your calendars for the Riverside Insect Fair celebrating Earth Day with Riverside Public Util...
12/17/2024

Its timeeee!! Time to mark your calendars for the Riverside Insect Fair celebrating Earth Day with Riverside Public Utilities! Save the date for Saturday, April 26th at the Main Library (3900 Mission Inn Ave.) from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. 🌿🐝

Prompted by one California lawmaker's reflections on his own Chinese immigrant family's experience, the Day of Inclusion...
12/17/2024

Prompted by one California lawmaker's reflections on his own Chinese immigrant family's experience, the Day of Inclusion has been observed statewide every year since 2009. California Assemblyman Mike Eng authored the bill proclaiming the Day of Inclusion to honor the state's rich diversity and encourage tolerance. December 17, 1943, was the date that the Magnuson Act repealed the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. While the Chinese immigrant experience was the genesis for this bill, it is intended to draw attention to the sacrifices and experiences of all immigrants who today make the U.S. the culturally rich country that it is. The image depicts one of the two Chinatowns that existed in Riverside's history, during the time in 1985 when the site was archaeologically investigated. Learn more at www.dec17.org.

A bank teller (Frank Sinatra), suspected of embezzlement, turns to a friend (Groucho Marx) for help in the 1951 musical-...
12/14/2024

A bank teller (Frank Sinatra), suspected of embezzlement, turns to a friend (Groucho Marx) for help in the 1951 musical-comedy, "Double Dynamite." Join us for singing, romance, and lots of laughs!

Have you ever watched a movie and felt déjà vu? Maybe it's because you recognize the filming location! The Museum of Riverside's event series "Movies on the Lawn: Made in Riverside" features films that were shot in and around Riverside. Can you spot the local places? Bring your own chair or blanket and dress warmly for a cozy viewing on a 20-foot screen under the stars at Heritage House. This is a unique opportunity to connect with Riverside's cinematic history! The movie starts at dusk. Snacks are available for purchase (cash only). Movies on the Lawn take place on the lawn at Heritage House, located at 8193 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside. Street parking is available. Thank you to the Riverside Museum Associates for sponsoring the Snack Shack!

Doors open at 4:30 p.m., screening begins at 5:15 p.m.
This event is best suited for audiences ages 13 and up. Parental discretion is advised.

Celebration of a century 🤩Thank you Riverside! We are YOUR museum 💕
12/13/2024

Celebration of a century 🤩
Thank you Riverside! We are YOUR museum 💕

12/12/2024

Tonight's the night we launch our second century! And, wow, do we look great for being 100 years old … see you tonight at the gala! Even if you missed getting a ticket, we thank you for being part of our first century.

When we announced our 100th Anniversary Gala, a few of our incredible board members were among the very first to purchas...
12/10/2024

When we announced our 100th Anniversary Gala, a few of our incredible board members were among the very first to purchase a table! 🌟

Peggy Barnhart, Mary Hughes, Lovelyn Razzouk, and Sharon Tennell have shown unwavering dedication to the Museum of Riverside over the years. Between them, they have served on the Museum of Riverside Board, the Riverside Museum Associates Board, and in some cases, both! Their leadership and passion have been instrumental in shaping our museum's journey. 💛

If you’re attending the gala this Thursday, December 12, and haven’t received venue or parking information yet, please reach out to [email protected] - we’ve got you covered!

The December 5th Artswalk has been cancelled, so the Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties is closing at its nor...
12/03/2024

The December 5th Artswalk has been cancelled, so the Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties is closing at its normal time, 4 p.m. As a result, the Museum of Riverside will not be hosting an activity in the galleries. See you for Artswalk on January, 2nd!

🎉 We're Turning the Corner on 100 Events for 100 Years! 🎉Join us as we wrap up our centennial year with two great events...
12/02/2024

🎉 We're Turning the Corner on 100 Events for 100 Years! 🎉

Join us as we wrap up our centennial year with two great events this week:

📚 Friday, December 6 | Nights with the Museum at the Main Library Community Room
🐞 Join Dr. Doug Yanega from UCR's Entomology Research Museum for "Unwelcome Guests: Exotic Insects Established in SoCal." Learn about the history and impact of invasive insects and how to recognize them.
📍 Location: 3900 Mission Inn Avenue | 🕡 6:30-8 p.m. | FREE

🎄 Sunday, December 8 | Christmas Open House at Heritage House
🎅 Celebrate the season in true Victorian style with Father Christmas, treats, music, and holiday cheer at Heritage House.
📍 Location: 8193 Magnolia Avenue | 🕛 12-4 p.m. | FREE
🚗 Additional parking is available at the FSA lot across from Heritage House.

🖌️ And a quick note: Artswalk will resume in January!

We can’t wait to see you at these events as we close out an amazing year!

Address

3580 Mission Inn Avenue
Riverside, CA
92501

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