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Location
Visitor tip
Request a tour guide like Chuck when visiting - staff members are knowledgeable about El Monte and San Gabriel Valley history and can significantly enhance your visit with detailed information and stories about the exhibits.
Visitor tip
The Lexington Room's recreated turn-of-century downtown (General Store, Barber Shop, Music Shop, Schoolhouse, and House) creates an immersive time-travel experience that feels less crowded than larger museums, making it ideal for focused learning.
Visitor tip
Plan to see the unique vehicles including the Stanley Steamer used on Disneyland's Opening Day and the Rolls Royce formerly used by President Roosevelt and Winston Churchill - these are standout pieces not found in typical museums.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Natural History Museum
- Building Style
- Spanish Moorish style, 5,000 sq ft
- Main Exhibits
- Gay's Lion Farm, Pioneer Room, recreated turn-of-century shops and homes
- Notable Items
- Letter by George Washington, 1911 Model T Ford, Native American artifacts
What visitors say
I have grown up in the San Gabriel Valley my whole life and this place is a true hidden gem! The rich history displayed throughout their exhibits and the knowledgeable staff left me wanting to come back and learn more. Chuck was…
Staff is friendly, and there are a variety of historical items to see. The museum is set up into sections so it feels like you're going back in time to explore a downtown local. It's clean, and there are bits of history everywhere with…
What a wealth of American history is here in this small museum. Loved the tour guide and being able to absorb so much without a huge crowd like in other larger museums...if ever in the area come visit. Loved that white RR!! Thank you
From 34 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- The museum houses a Stanley Steamer automobile that was used on Opening Day of Disneyland in 1955
- The museum features a Rolls Royce that was used by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill
- The museum contains a letter from George Washington in its Pioneer Room collection
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