A *must see* if you're lucky enough to find yourself in Three Rivers! Run by volunteers and free to…read morevisitors, this engaging historical museum exhibits a compelling collection of archival photography, original newspaper documentation, historic mementos and artifacts tastefully exhibited in various rooms and rotating outdoor displays, along with accessible archives and local narratives that highlight the complex and fascinating history of the area including details about the original Native American inhabitants and the white settlers that displaced them. Learn about the vital connection between past and present populations and the life-sustaining ecosystems of the Sierra Nevada mountains with its thunderous rivers and essential resources that currently encompass the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks and forests. If you enjoy history and origin stories, you'll love strolling through this inviting museum.

The lady at the desk was welcoming and kind! It's not that big but interesting. There's public…read morebathrooms.

Explored Silver City Ghost Town's creaky saloons and mining cabins--perfectly preserved…read more100-year-old relics felt frozen in Gold Rush days, with cool artifacts everywhere. Affordable entry, haunted vibes added thrill (booked lantern tour next), short drive from Lake Isabella made it an easy adventure. Bodfish hidden gem for history buffs!

We traveled a long distance to get there and we ended up there 5 minutes before they closed. My…read moredaughter tried to negotiate with the fellow that claimed he was a family member. We wanted to have 5 extra minutes to walk around. We were willing to pay the entrance fee as were two people behind us. He wouldn't budge and he was mean about it. Truth is it's really junky!

First time here with the kiddos and their little cousins! They had a blast! And I'm just at awe…read moreevery corner I look and go to! Down to the restroom with the tiny tiny toilets for the littles! Lol! Love the fact there's kid friendly washing stations through the museum making it easy for the kids. The indoor treehouse has cameras on the outside so parents can keep an eye on the littles while they are in the treehouse which is awesome! The entire time we were there I saw workers tidy up and sanitize and clean the whole time so that is reassuring! Like the indoor didn't impress me enough.. when we went outside.. I was mind blown at how much is outside and how even cuter it is! They had balance bikes with helmet and a track for kiddos, fishing, building, learning to milk a cow, dinosaurs, farmers market, and so much more! Also, kid friend height table and benches perfect for snacking and breaks. Is to note there isn't any food or drinks available for purchase at the museum but we were able to bring our snacks. Price point was so affordable especially for the experience and what they offer for the kids. We will definitely recommend this place and would highly likely return!

Heard this is a great place for young kiddos, and boy that rumor was true! Our kids loved it! Our…read morekids were entertained the whole time. Loved all the hands on activities. Everything from a fish aquarium, to a fire truck, slides , kitchen, and more. Could have spent the day here , if they were open longer. They have an outdoor area, however was closed due to the rain. Will be back to check it out though. Only open to the public four days a week, other days closed for field trips. Can be pricey $15 for kids one and up and $10 per adult; $7.50 for seniors. Can add up quickly for large families.

Beautiful little place in downtown Hanford! My son goes to music therapy there. Love the garden and…read morecharming atmosphere.

Very cute place. I enjoyed this stop. The kids had a lot of fun running around and visiting the…read moredifferent storybook homes. They also enjoyed going in the water. I didn't bring swimsuits so I let them swim in their underwear. The kids loved it.

This museum is so neat! The docents (who are all volunteers btw!) are knowledgeable and funny, and…read morethey kept my Girl Scouts' interest with no issue. The exhibits are beautiful and interesting, and there are interactive elements to some displays. I was stunned by the Yokuts display, which had a full replica of a traditional Yokut home. An extraordinary, nearly-complete fossil found locally is on display. The bottom floor also has a fun exploratory area for kids! It's great! Highly recommend this museum to all ages.

Great idea and lots of wonderful information. The pros is the cost is affordable for family. Lots…read moreto discover on 2 floors. The cons it can use a deep cleaning and new display ideas.

Fantastic place for the city of Hanford! From 1905 to now, we must preserve it! You should know…read morewhile other museums are dying our Hanford and surrounding area youth are enjoying it. Luckily the Pokemon group that uses it as a start point for their game are becoming members. Give it a looksie. Interesting items inside including articles from Amelia Earhart and the Mussel Slough Tragedy gunfight from 1880

This museum is the result of some people putting out the word to folks to bring in their treasures…read moreto preserve some local history. There is an odd, but lovely mix of things: antique medical equipment, a dress remade out of Amelia Earhart's dress, a fire-charred doll from the 1700s, a set of plastic California Raisins--circa 1986, old china, an impressive array of taxidermy. The "Hanford Horse", discovered during excavation at a construction site, gets prominent display downstairs. The building itself is interesting and appealing. Don't miss the huge hair wreath near the front door. It is made of (you guessed it!) human hair and was a wedding present long ago. If you're looking for some local color in Hanford, this is definitely worth a look.

I went to Ghost hunter night on 10/12. It was poorly ran , staff unprofessional and a complete joke…read more. What was super sad was the disrespect for the history through the museum , people able to wonder around while the unorganized staff took breaks , mind you the breaks started right when the event was supposed to start. People were allowed ( because they weren't watched or told not to ) grab history from the shelf's to touch even when the shelf had a sigh "don't touch ". This ghost hunting night was a sad and complete joke . $20 fee to get in , with over 30 people that attended , I hope the money went up the museum like they said it would , just a huge disappointment that the representation of the museum and the lack of respect to the history - JUST SAD!!

This was a great place with a bunch of history. Everyone there was so nice and they were very…read moreknowledgeable. Not just about trains, lots of history of Shafter and the area. My family loved the place.

This is not a big museum. But us is run by some nice people who have collected and displayed lots…read moreof Shafter memorabilia. I think you have to have some connection to Shafter to appreciate the place. The museum traces the agriculture beginnings, the first churches, school history and my favorite a display dedicated to General Shafter who the town is named after. Farming in Shafter is hot dirty and dusty work and kinda of a gamble if the crops don't sale. I am so glad there is a place for the farmer and early citizens effort to make a living here recognized. While Shafter is not the potato or cotton producer is once was those potatoes were 5 -stars. I deliberately did not mention water issues it is controversial in this state. This place has very limited hours.

Well what can you say about a small town museum. This one is connected with The Exeter Courthouse…read moreGallery that exhibits a great variety of artwork on the weekends. The gallery is one of the finest small art galleries in the valley and has hosted many top notch artists from the west with their shows. The museum houses a collection of both local and regional history and is known to exhibit a surprising number of exceptionally rare artifacts from California history. I have seen documents from the Civil War Union army encampment, Camp Babbitt, located over in Visalia. The Union army posted the camp there to quell the Confederate sympathizers living in the southern San Joaquin Valley, and although it did so, it was at a price. The area is still a bastion of people from southern states, even today. Every museum has Native American artifacts and this one is no exception. For a small museum there is a very nice collection of many types of Native American artifacts from the past. Best of all there are video screens playing all the time with local historic photographs from the area. I am not saying this is the best museum I've ever visited, but for a small community, it holds its own for quality and collections. It really is a "Gotta See" place to visit when you are in Exeter at the antique shops and murals.