The First Mayor's House, the front porch of Salinas, provides educational and cultural programs that showcase our history and the paths that have led us to the present.
The First Mayor's House is a museum and cultural heritage center that provides an educational experience based on the early history of Salinas and Monterey County. Each year, students visit for a half-day docent led experience. Teachers are offered training by professional educators to enhance the value of the classroom visits. Through the website, on-line digital history resources are provided about pioneer life including a virtual tour for those who are unable to attend in person.
Museum tours are free and open to the public on the first Saturday of each month or available for group tours by special appointment. In support of other non-profit organizations, the on-site Sophronia Harvey Educational Center is available for meetings and events. To promote heritage tourism, in collaboration with the City of Salinas and the other historic properties at Station Place, the House hosts special events throughout the year for visitors.
The organization has a positive regional impact in Monterey County by developing economic opportunities around heritage tourism. It has been a leader in revitalization efforts for the historic heart of Salinas. The education program supplies a local history curriculum that is not provided in the County schools. The rich ancestral stories help to develop community pride and encourage youth to pursue education.
Our website contains testimonials from a student, Charlotte Morrow: "I think the First Mayor's House is really fun and educational. It was really fun doing the chores like, washing socks on a washboard and making butter." A Spreckels Elementary School teacher said " students have experienced an enriched opportunity to travel back in time to discover Salinas history." A visitor, Jeannie S. wrote on Trip Advisor, "What a little gem! Stop by if you are in Salinas and want to learn some interesting history!"
- Charlotte Morrow, Salinas
