About Us
Discover a place where history comes alive. The Madera County Museum invites you to explore the rich heritage and stories of Madera County in a historic setting.
Our journey began in a magnificent granite building constructed in 1900, originally designed to house Madera County offices and the Superior Court. This grand structure served the county’s needs until the early 1970s when community growth necessitated a move to a larger facility.
Formation of the Madera County Historical Society
In the early 1950s, the idea of forming the Madera County Historical Society began to take shape. Although the society was established, it initially lacked a dedicated location to display and store its growing collection of historical artifacts. Fortunately, in the early 1970s, the County Board of Supervisors generously offered the old County Courthouse building to the Historical Society for use as a museum.
Transforming the Courthouse into a Museum
Transforming the courthouse into a museum involved extensive cleaning, painting, and constructing displays to create an inviting space for the public. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of many individuals, the museum doors opened, allowing visitors to explore and experience the rich history of Madera and its past residents.
Celebrating 50 Years of History
Today, the Madera County Museum proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025. We invite you to explore our exhibits and immerse yourself in the stories that have shaped our county. Thank you for being a part of our history.
