The Museum of Riverside’s Education Division has been on the go, engaging with the community throughout Riverside. As we eagerly await the reopening of our rehabilitated and expanded main site in downtown Riverside, we are offering new programs at Heritage House. We are creating connections with local libraries and community centers, and popping up at events such as Artswalk and First Sundays. The Museum has also grown its volunteer program and developed exhibitions and programs for our spring 2028 reopening.
Heritage House, an 1890s historic house museum, has provided the backdrop for new highlight exhibitions, exciting new programs, and special tours. Natural history programming makes up some of these new offerings with after-dark hunts for insects and spiders and the celebration of World Snake Day all taking place in Heritage House’s gardens. Save the date for two events happening at Heritage House this fall: one an anticipated event, Moon Festival, and one just in its second year: Dark Carnival. Both are free and open to the public. Moon Festival will be held on September 25, from 6-9 p.m. and Dark Carnival on October 17,from noon-4 p.m. We’ve also expanded our school tours s at Heritage House with a new hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) program exploring the importance of bringing water to early Riverside’s citrus groves.
If you haven’t made it to Heritage House, don’t worry, there are plenty of other opportunities to see us! We’re taking the show on the road and coming to a library or community space near you. Many Riverside city and county libraries have hosted outreach events. We’ve also visited students at K-12 schools and summer and spring break camps at Riverside parks. These programs feature fossils, insects, local history, and more. Find us every first Thursday at Riverside Artswalk at Main Street and University Avenue and, starting in October, every first Sunday through May, at the corner of Main Street and Mission Inn Avenue.
Don’t miss out on our educational offerings! Be sure to follow the Museum of Riverside on Facebook and Instagram (@museumofriverside) or visit our website at www.museumofriverside.org to learn more about these and other upcoming programs. If you have questions about the Museum’s educational programming or want more information about becoming a volunteer, please reach out to Teresa Woodard at twoodard@riversideca.gov.
