Business Details
43 Years
experience
Preserving & Promoting the History of Roseville, CA
Founded in 1983, the Carnegie Museum has dedicated itself to preserving and promoting the history of Roseville, California. Our mission began with saving the historic Carnegie Library building from demolition, a testament to community-driven preservation efforts. Through volunteer support and charitable donations, we digitize historical documents, index local newspapers, and curate exhibits that bring Roseville's past to life. Our Carnegie Library Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, serves as both an educational resource and a cultural landmark. We offer guided cemetery tours, historic walking tours, and educational programs for schools, fostering community engagement with local history.Our team of historians, including the late Leonard 'Duke' Davis and current historian Phoebe Astill, ensures accurate storytelling rooted in decades of research. We provide research services, archival access, and virtual museum experiences to connect residents and visitors with Roseville's rich heritage. Our field trip programs align with educational standards, offering immersive experiences through artifact handling and historical reenactments. We maintain accessibility and community involvement through partnerships, donations, and volunteer opportunities. This ongoing commitment to historical preservation continues to shape Roseville's identity for future generations.
Services
Historical Preservation
Museum Operations
Educational Programs
Research Services
Virtual Tours
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We've preserved Roseville's history since 1983 with community-driven efforts
- Our Carnegie Library Museum houses verified historical records and artifacts
- We offer educational programs aligned with state curriculum standards
- Our team includes lifelong residents with direct ties to local pioneer families
- We combine traditional preservation with digital archiving for modern access
Associations and certifications
- National Register of Historic Places
What people say
Engaging school programs
Well-maintained museum
Knowledgeable staff
Valuable research resources
Services
Historical Preservation
We preserve Roseville's heritage through document digitization, newspaper indexing, and artifact conservation. Our work ensures historical records remain accessible for future generations. Volunteers and professionals collaborate on scanning photographs, transcribing records, and maintaining physical collections.
Museum Operations
The Carnegie Library Museum showcases Roseville's history with exhibits like the Leonard 'Duke' Davis Collection and Veteran's Monuments. We offer guided tours, special exhibits, and community events. The building itself represents successful historic preservation efforts since its 1983 restoration.
Educational Programs
Our field trip programs combine museum visits, classroom presentations, and virtual tours for K-12 students. Activities align with social studies standards covering pioneer life, railroad history, and local development. Costumed docents use artifacts and interactive stations to engage young learners.
Research Services
We assist researchers with local history queries through document access and expert consultation. Services include archive searches, photo identification, and historical background investigations. A $25/hour fee applies for research requests exceeding 15 minutes.
Virtual Tours
Our digital initiatives provide remote access to museum collections and historical narratives. The free virtual tour video explores Roseville's railroad heritage with activity packets for students. This service extends our educational reach beyond physical location limitations.
People
Phoebe Astill
Historian
Life-long Roseville resident and descendant of pioneer families. Former curator of the Carnegie Museum with decades of experience preserving local history through research and educational programs.
Denise Fiddyment
President
Community leader dedicated to historical preservation. Oversees society operations and strategic initiatives to maintain Roseville's cultural heritage for future generations.
Questions
What is the Roseville Historical Society's primary mission?
We preserve and promote Roseville's history through museum operations, archival work, educational programs, and community events since 1983.
How can students access educational programs?
We offer three field trip options: in-person museum visits, classroom presentations, and free virtual tours with activity packets aligned to curriculum standards.
What historical resources are available for research?
Our archives include digitized documents, historical photographs, newspaper indexes, and artifact collections. Research services are available by appointment with professional assistance.
How is the organization funded?
We operate through charitable donations, membership fees, program charges, and community fundraising efforts to support preservation and educational initiatives.
What notable achievements have been accomplished?
We saved the Carnegie Library building from demolition in 1983, secured its National Register of Historic Places designation, and developed award-winning educational programs.