McHenry Museum

From its day of dedication, July 4, 1972, the McHenry Museum has been host to individuals and to many groups intent on appreciating the past and the many people who pioneered this unique area. The McHenry Museum building was originally the city library and was given to the City of Modesto in 1912 by the Oramil McHenry family. Within the museum there are a county recorders office, a general store and a recreated blacksmith shop using wood and square nails from a century old house. Other exhibits include gold mining paraphernalia, original fire fighting equipment, along exhibits showing what a turn of the century home might have had for furnishings. In the Western Gallery there is an exhibit of oil paintings done by Virgil W. “Bill” West. The paintings typify the activities that one would have encountered on cattle ranches of the old west. The museum property is owned by the City of Modesto and is under the direct supervision of the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department Cultural Services Manager, Wayne Mathes.