Preserving Our History At Tulare County Museum

As early as the 1920s, an effort was made to establish a museum for Tulare County. This initial effort failed, but reemerged in 1936 with a $5,000 bequest from Hugh Mooney to build a museum in Mooney Grove, once the site of the Mooney family home. The lingering Depression and World War II delayed construction and the building was not finished until 1948.

Tulare County Museum operates on a county budget approved by the Board of Supervisors. However since the beginning, Tulare County Historical Society has been actively involved in the museum's growth, donating funds for additions and repairs, as well as members' time and effort to restore old structures.

Tulare County Museum

Kathy McGowan, Museum Curator

Mooney Grove Park

27000 S. Mooney Blvd.

Visalia, CA 93277

559.733.6616

Tulare County Museum Board

Donald Bennett (TCHS)

Bill Horst (TCHS)

Joanne Ledbetter (TCHS)

Brian Lewis (Tulare County Library)

Kathy McGowan (County Museum Curator)

Neil Pilegard (County Manager/Parks & Recreation)

1997 Museum Improvement Project: The nostalgic lampposts selected were street lights originally placed in the Hancock Park residential area of Los Angeles 1925-1930. After illuminating that neighborhood for more than half a century, the street lights were removed in 1995.

The posts were made of cement and granite mixture, being horizontally spun in a mold to produce a solid piece. Each one stands 12' high and weighs about 800 pounds. The large globes appear to be glass, but are actually less shatterproof Lexan reproductions. The "cage" surrounding each globe was produced by a foundary in Fresno, California.

Each lamppost has a sponsor's plaque mounted at the base.

Tulare County Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

We appreciate all donations supporting our Museum Improvement Fund.