Vacaville Museum

The Vacaville Museum, a Center for Solano County History and Culture is the only institution whose mission includes cultural preservation of all that our county has to offer. Through exhibits, publications & educational programs they strive to promote community connectivity with one another through shared heritage!

Exhibitions

In July 1921, the Power family opened a roadside fruit stand that would become California's favorite pit stop and put Solano County on the map for visitors from all over the country. Nut Tree Centennial: 100 Years of Food, Family, and Fun, a Vacaville Museum exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of the original Nut Tree, is now open.

Events

• Historical Homes Walking Tours

The Vacaville Museum Guild continues to offer Historical Homes Walking Tours on the first and third Saturdays of each month, weather permitting.

The 2-hour walk will begin and end in the courtyard of the Museum, 213 Buck Ave., Vacaville. Participants will learn about local history before embarking on a leisurely walk to take in the sights and stories of the area. Each walk will take a different path to uncover different stories about the city.

• Vacaville Arts Week

Vacaville Arts Week honors our community's diverse artistic and cultural offerings. This citywide event highlights Vacaville's vibrant art and culture by organizing creative arts-related events such as art walks, exhibitions, paint nights, demonstrations, performances, workshops, and much more! Vacaville Arts Week is not an organization; rather, it is a 10-day celebration designed to promote Vacaville's rich arts and culture.

The Museum

The Vacaville Museum was founded in 1981, and its first exhibition was held in May 1984. The Vacaville Museum's mission is to collect and preserve artifacts directly related to the history of Solano County, as well as to raise awareness and understanding of county history and culture through interpretive exhibits and related programs.

Since its inception, the museum has created exhibits that interpret various aspects of Solano County life with the help of volunteers and guest experts.

The Vacaville Museum is the county's only museum dedicated to interpreting Solano County's history. Because of the scope of our mission, we make every effort to maintain contact with and assist other county historical agencies and museums. The museum has formed partnerships with local artists and arts organizations, the Jepson Herbarium, the Holt Atherton Center, the Solano County Water District, the City of Vacaville, the San Francisco Art Institute, the Solano County Board of Education, the Solano County Arts Council, and other community organizations as a result of our multidisciplinary approach to interpreting history.

The Vacaville Museum primarily serves the population of Solano County. However, because some of the exhibits and programs have a wider appeal – notably the exhibits on Berryessa Valley, Willis Jepson, and the Nut Tree – the Museum attracts visitors from throughout California.

Solano County Museum Consortium

Solano County's major museums and preservation efforts have merged to form the SCMC: Solano County Museum Consortium, in an inspiring display of collaboration. SCMC was founded to address three major community issues: education, public awareness, and volunterism. Many local residents and visitors are unaware of the breadth and depth of museum services available in the area.

Members of the SCMC include the Benicia Historical Museum, the Museum Roundtable, the Rio Vista Museum, the Solano County Historical Society, the Vacaville Heritage Council, the Vacaville Museum, the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, and the Western Railway Museum.

Fast Facts of the Vacaville Museum

• The Vacaville Museum, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation of Solano County's history and cultural heritage, first opened its doors in 1981.

• Since then, it has served as a place for both locals and visitors to learn about local life through interactive exhibits created by dedicated volunteers.

• It is one of the oldest museums in California's central valley.

• It houses a large collection of artifacts, including agricultural equipment that is still used on many farms in this rural county.

• It houses stately portraits of prominent figures such as Juan Bautista de Anza III, who led his father across unknown plains with their expedition party of over 400 people and livestock.

Vacaville, California is blessed with some of the area’s most amazing, must-see attractions. Here’s a list of some of our favorites:

• Jack Hume Grove

• Lagoon Valley Park

• Andrews Park

• Nut Tree

• Vacaville Museum

• Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company

• Magnolia Park

• Hawkins Park

• Vezér’s Family Vineyard

All of these wonderful attractions are located just a short distance from our historic location at 1669 East Monte Vista Avenue in Vacaville! Stop by for a visit anytime!