Exhibits

  • California Grizzly Bear: a taxidermy mount of an actual grizzly (extinct since 1924) and a major educational exhibition on the history of the bear.
  • World’s Smallest Post Office: an actual building which once served the community.
  • The Salomon Archive: The personal papers of former United Nations Ambassador, Col. Irving Salomon.
  • United Nations Connection: Ambassador Irving Salomon, longtime resident of Valley Center, entertained world-class leaders, many of whom are featured in a special tribute. Desk of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on view.
  • Gold Rush: A tribute to the woman who was the co-discoverer of California gold.
  • Aviation History: A replica plus parts from one of the world’s first airplanes, built six years after the Wright Brothers flight.
  • Indian Baskets: a large collection of authentic baskets from a local Reservation.
  • Original Oil Paintings by Western artist Marjorie Reed.
  • 1862 Model Home: a fully-furnished settler’s cabin from the Homestead era.
  • Farm and Home Implements of the 1800s.
  • Indian Village: re-creation of a 500-year-old Indian settlement.
  • Giant Quilt: an enormous quilt with local scenes, created by volunteers.
  • Famous Horses: a pictorial presentation on the foals of Seabiscuit, Seattle Slew and Secretariat — all of whom lived in Valley Center.
  • Hollywood Comes to Town: From “Mad, Mad World” to “Invaders from Mars” see the movies and TV shows filmed in Valley Center.