Folsom History Museum / Pioneer Village

Welcome to Folsom History. We are a family of three museums celebrating the uniquely rich heritage of Folsom by collecting and preserving the past. We offer engaging historical exhibits, events, research opportunities and educational and interpretive tours.

In addition to the Folsom History Museum, we also operate Pioneer Village as an outdoor museum and makerspace. This interactive and interpretive area includes gold panning and a working blacksmith forge. Here, you can also explore a 19th century miner's cabin, a genuine Southern Pacific Railroad caboose, and walk through the historic Ashland Station.

Exhibits

Our permanent exhibit provides an overview of Folsom’s history from its beginning as the home of the Nisenan to the 1960s. It explores how Folsom as we know it today was formed by providing the history of its founding, the Gold Rush, railroad, its pioneers, agriculture and important businesses. Our temporary exhibit is all about vintage toys from the 1870s to the 1970s. What did toys look like 50 years ago? How about 100 years ago? Have you ever wanted to sit down and play a game that isn't around anymore that you wish you could have played? Stop by and take a look at our exhibit on vintage toys! While you're visiting, sit down for a little while and enjoy some games of the past. Don't forget to post your favorite childhood pastime for our memory wall on your way out!

Pioneer Village will have various hands-on activities scheduled throughout the day. These may include gold panning, rope making, doll making, pioneer dances and games, and guided tours.

Participation in Museum Day is open to any tax-exempt or governmental museum or cultural venue on a voluntary basis. Smithsonian magazine encourages museum visitation, but is not responsible for and does not endorse the content of the participating museums and cultural venues, and does not subsidize museums that participate.