Explore Nearby Museums
 Updated: 1/27/2017 
Yolo County Historical Museum
Woodland, California
Description

The Gibson home, land, and outbuildings serve as the Yolo County Historical Museum. Located at 512 Gibson Road in Woodland, California, the museum has been open to the public for more than 25 years. William Byas Gibson was typical of ranchers and farmers in the early agricultural history of Yolo County. The house and grounds are maintained for educational and recreational purposes. The museum represents a typical rural home and ranch setting of the period from the mid-nineteenth to the early twentieth centuries.

The museum is located on two-and-a-half landscaped acres. The buildings include the main house with eleven rooms; an outbuilding containing a root cellar and dairy display; an outbuilding containing a laundry display; an outbuilding used for garden maintenance and supplies; a garage used for storage; a barn used for display and storage; and a blacksmith shop.

The Gibson House is unique because it is the only historic home in Yolo County open to the public. The main themes of the museum are the establishment and development of farming and ranching in Yolo County, as shown through the life and work of William Byas Gibson and his family. The Gibson House is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Mission

The Yolo County Historical Museum?s mission is to preserve and protect the historical heritage and culture of Yolo County and actively tell its story to the community through the Gibson House Museum, its buildings, grounds, and collections.

History

1857 - William Gibson bought a house on the current museum site.
1870s - The small house was expanded to the Mansion.
1963-1975 - The Mansion sat vacant and was known as a haunted house.
1975 - Yolo County purchased the home and 2.5 acres.
1976 - The Yolo County Historical Museum Association formed.
1982 - The first director was hired.
1983 - Renovations began on the Mansion.

Artifact Collections

Collections at the YCHM focus on the historic and artistic heritage of Yolo County and include such diverse items as Chinese silk clothing from 1921 to drawings and paintings of Northern California artists from the 1940s.

Gibson Gardeners Seek Antique Garden Tools and Artifacts

Donation of antique garden tools, watering cans, decorative pots, garden-related books or artifacts is being sought by the Gibson Gardeners of the Yolo County Historical Museum. Items can be dropped off at the Museum Tuesday – Friday, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM or by appointment, or call 530-666-1045 to arrange for pickup.

Programs

The YCHM offers school tours which are particularly popular with 3rd grade classes. Tours include 40 minutes guided touring inside the Mansion, 40 minutes touring the outbuildings, and a 40 minute historically-appropriate guided activity such as washing clothes with a washboard. This program is underwritten by grants.

Governance

Nonprofit/501c3
Board of Directors

Library

Access: Scholars

Appointment required: True

Services
Weddings

Thank you for voting the Gibson House as the Best Place for Weddings in Yolo County for the last SIX years!

Be A Part of History

Say “I Do” among beautiful, centuries-old oak trees in front of one of the oldest homes in Yolo County! Since 1857, guests have gathered at the Gibson House to celebrate with family and friends. Dance the night away under the olive trees and enjoy the natural beauty of the gardens and grounds while making your own history. We are happy to work with you to make your event unforgettable.

Grounds Rental

The Grounds & Mansion are available to rent for group gatherings such as weddings, birthday parties, graduation, reunions and company picnics. We are located at 512 Gibson Road in Woodland, California. The Gibson House was voted the Best Place for Weddings in Yolo County for the past 5 years in a row, AND the Best Place for Receptions in 2012 & 2013!

Event Rental
Group Tours
Address
512 Gibson Road
Woodland, CA 95695
phone: 530-666-1045
e-mail: ychmoffice@sbcglobal.net
home page: www.gibsonhouse.org/
Report Incorrect Data
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Hours of Operation
Office Hours
Tuesday, Thursday - Friday10 AM - 3 PM
Tours

Tours are conducted Tuesday, Thursday and Friday’s at 11am and at 2pm.

Closed most Holidays.

Museum Type(s)
Culture
History
Historic House
Historical Society
Park
Staff
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