Museum of Monterey, To Reopen June 2011

Casa Serrano
Open free to the public Saturday 2-4pm.

Casa Serrano is classic Monterey, in its story and its design. It was the home of Monterey’s second alcade (mayor) under American rule, Don Florencio Serrano, who emigrated from Spain via Mexico City in the 1830s. The house has 20-inch thick adobe walls, supporting heavy beams which in turn support the ceiling and shingled roof – all of redwood.  

Mayo Hayes O’Donnell Library
Open free to the public Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 1:30-3:45pm.

This was originally the Saint James Episcopal Church, built in the California Gothic style by the Reverend James S. McGowan in 1876.  Visitors entering the library are struck at once by the lancet windows in the raised chancel at the end of the room, which provide a spectacular view of the harbor, the city of Monterey, and its backdrop of hills and mountains.

Today it houses an extensive collection of over 2000 books and documents pertaining to the history of Monterey and California. Scholars, researchers, students, and the general public are all welcome to use it as a resource. A volunteer librarian is on staff to answer questions or to advise researchers.

Facility Rental
Bring your event to Monterey in style!

Monterey History & Art Association possesses one of Monterey’s loveliest and most historic buildings, as well as a large theater auditorium on the waterfront. They are open to visitors, so everyone can appreciate them, and are also available to rent for special occasions like weddings and birthdays, meetings and business retreats, concerts, and lectures.

Contact Martha Froke at (831) 372-2608 x*813 or email events@montereyhistory.org.

Monterey History & Art Association
From its founding in 1931, MHAA’s primary mission has been to help preserve the irreplaceable reminders of Monterey’s colorful heritage. MHAA instituted Monterey’s historic landmark program and created the Path of History which guides visitors to historic sites in old Monterey.

Over the past seven decades, MHAA has worked closely with the City of Monterey, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. As a result, more old adobes have been preserved and restored in Monterey than anywhere else in California.