Mission & Goals

The Sacramento Valley Museum Association is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and promoting interest in the historical development of the Sacramento Valley region from prehistoric times to the present. Our collections strive to connect the natural history and the rich multi-cultural history of the area with the community that exists today.

Located in the heart of the Sacramento Valley, the Sacramento Valley Museum provides displays of the region’s rich history featuring mid 19th to mid 20th century artifacts, textiles, and documents. Equally impressive is our 100 year old building that served as the high school for the city of Williams from 1911 to 1956. After sitting dormant for years, the hard work of local volunteers transformed the building into a museum. We invite everyone of all ages to come and discover a sense of place at the Sacramento Valley Museum!

Hours of Operation

We are open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Group and private tours are available by appointment only. Call or email for scheduling and pricing. General Admission is Free.

1491 E St. / PO Box 1437 Williams, CA 95987

(530) 473-2978

sacramentovalleymuseum@gmail.com

History

The building that houses the Sacramento Valley Museum was built in 1911 to serve as Williams Union High School.  The school graduated classes from 1912 until 1956 when a new high school was built.  It sat dormant for six years until Sacramento Valley residents took up its cause.

The group of citizens who made up the first board of the Sacramento Valley Museum Association, in an effort to encourage interest in the developing museum, opened for viewing in March 1963. The Museum officially opened in June 1964.  In addition to exhibits of historic material, there were art exhibits and a room dedicated to art classes for the community.  Today the 16,000 square foot building that houses the SVM collection contains multiple rooms of exhibits that represent the rich histories of the Sacramento Valley. Museum staff and volunteers are planning new exhibits and making research material more accessible to the public. Nothing at the museum would be possible, however, without the dedication of the board members, volunteers, and staff who served the museum faithfully through the years.

Board of Trustees 2024-2025

President: Arno Martini  

Vice President: Slim Edwards  

Treasurer: Scott Arens

Secretary: Cindy Gobel  

Trustee(s): 

Brett Perry

Mike Sutteer   

Caroline Vann

Sylvia Davis

Angelica Perez

Director: Elijah Rodriguez