Oroville Museums
PIONEER HISTORY MUSEUM
Opened in 1932, this museum houses a very large collection of tools and other historical items used by people in the Gold Rush. A must-see for anyone who has any interest in Gold Rush history.
Admission
$3 Adults ($2.50/each for AAA members or groups of 15 or more)
Children Under 12 Free
Group/classroom tours on Tuesday and Wednesdays by prior arrangement. Please call (530) 538-2406
First opened in 1932 by the Native Sons & Daughters of the Golden West, and now operated by the City of Oroville, this museum was built as an oversized replica of a 49er’s cabin. The original building has been enlarged to now hold 6,000 square feet of historic treasures.
2332 Montgomery Street, Oroville, CA, USA
(530) 538-2497
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Fri-Sat-Sun Noon - 4PM
The collection concentrates on items illustrating the pioneers’ life up to the late 1920s. It includes such diverse items such as: antique pianos, the original Oregon City School organ, a grand old clock from Bidwell Bar, gambler’s items, dolls (including a doll from the Donner Party), a miner’s vest tailored to hold different size nuggets, and even a handmade gold needle.
The Indian artifact display contains one of the larger arrowhead and basket collections in the area. There is also a fascinating collection of Grand Army of the Republic memorabilia. One display is devoted to the lives of the Danforth and Boyle pioneer families, who founded the museum and kept it open for decades.
A visit here will give you a peek into the early California settlers’ lives!
BOLT’S TOOL MUSEUM
The largest tool museum in the U.S. is a collection of thousands assembled by Bud Bolt over 50 years, all carefully labeled. Opened in 2006. Collection features tools from 4,000 years ago, a barbed-wire collection, old gas pumps, and 235 tools representing 51 different railroads.The museum is bursting at the walls with unique vintage tools and kitchenware. If you get lost there are extremely knowledgeable docents to help you find your way.
1650 Broderick St, Oroville, CA 95965
(530) 538-2528
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CHINESE TEMPLE & GARDEN
Built in 1863, this temple served the needs of all the Chinese north of Sacramento. Now it is a museum open to the public showing the history of the Chinese in the area as well as artifacts from the days when the temple was in full service.
1500 Broderick St, Oroville, CA
(530) 538-2496
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Open Thursday - Sunday Noon to 4:00.
