Welcome

The Newman Museum is located on Main Street in the historic downtown area of Newman located in the Central San Joaquin Valley of California. The museum is housed in a charming Classical Revival brick building built as one of the many Carnegie Libraries [http://carnegie-libraries.org/] throughout California in the first decades of the last century. This fine two-story building was designed by architect Francis Reid. The building was completed and opened to the public on September 20, 1920 with funds from the Carnegie Corporation. Newman's Carnegie Library was one of the last of the 142 California libraries built between 1902-1921 with funds received from the Carnegie Corporation established by Andrew Carnegie. Only 85 of those libraries in California remain standing today most serving a use other than as a library.

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For such a small edifice, the museum holds a wealth of treasures that speak to the historic nature of the West Side and its citizens. The museum's display cases are full of items of interest to the history buff including antique combs, a prized firearms collection, Indian artifacts from the local Yokut Indians, memorabilia from the First World War, and many items of an everyday nature from the past. Among the many items on display within its walls are fine example of turn-of-the century furniture, and an extensive collection of historical West Side photographs.

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The Museum is decorated each Christmas with various ornaments that have been donated from estates over the years. The Museum also features a grandfather clock on loan from Bob and Pat Novoa, and preserves a charming furnished doll house donated by Shirley Anne McConnell that was made for her by her grandfather, James Cochrane, in 1933.

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The Newman Museum houses exhibits, both permanent and rotating, which depict the history of the City of Newman, as well as the surrounding area. These areas include Crows Landing, Hill's Ferry, Dutch Corners, and Orestimba. The museum is located in the old Carnegie Library, one of the oldest historical buildings in Newman. The Museum is staffed by volunteers who devote their time to preserving and passing on the history of this town and surrounding area to generations to come.