In partnership with the Colton Area Museum and the City of Colton, the San Bernardino County Museum is elated to celebrate the grand reopening of the Colton Area Museum.
Since 2021, the San Bernardino County Museum has partnered with the Colton Area Museum on a grant-funded project to redevelop the museum’s exhibits and create a space that is fun, interactive and inclusive of the complete community. Constructed in 1908, it was originally the Colton Carnegie Public Library until it closed in 1982, reopening as the Colton Area Museum in 1991.
The Colton Area Museum Board President Christina Perris shared, “On behalf of the Board of the Colton Area Museum, we appreciate the tremendous amount of guidance and assistance we have received from the San Bernardino County Museum’s director and curatorial staff in helping us move forward with this monumental redesign of our exhibition space and collections area. We truly hope that this new vision of the museum speaks to a more inclusive, ever-evolving narrative history of Colton, which will grow and change as more exciting pieces of Colton’s rich past are discovered by residents and hope they will become active patrons in the museum’s bright future.”
San Bernardino County Museum Director David Myers said, “This project was a true collaboration between the Colton Area Museum board members, SBCM staff, and the City of Colton. The project provides a new perspective into the exceptionally rich history of Colton and shares a look into their cultural heritage and sense of community pride, which still exists and has helped shape the character and culture of Colton to this day.”
About Colton Area Museum: The Colton Area Museum is dedicated to promoting public awareness of Colton area history by displaying historic artifacts and with its outreach programs.
About City of Colton: The City of Colton is proud of its growing role as a center for new business and residential and employment opportunities in San Bernardino County. A comprehensive transportation network, available underdeveloped land, a skilled, ready-to-work labor pool, and a viable partnership between business, city and county government contribute vitality to an already established commerce. The city is focused on the high quality of living, education, job creation, community health, public safety, housing, retail, recreation, arts and culture and infrastructure for development that is sustainable over time. Colton will be a destination for visitors and a home for anyone seeking a sense of community and a high quality of life.
Historically, Colton has worked hard to make our city one of the best places in Southern California to work, live and enjoy life and that single goal remains true today. Colton is a diverse community where tomorrow’s contributors pursue their dreams in an attractive and safe environment abundant with opportunities for educational and economic advancement.
About San Bernardino County Museum: The San Bernardino County Museum’s exhibits of regional, cultural and natural history and the Museum’s other exciting events and programs reflect the effort by the Board of Supervisors to achieve the Countywide Vision by celebrating arts, culture and education in the county, creating quality of life for residents and visitors.