Become a Member or Donate
Membership is what keeps the museum thriving. Every dollar goes towards expanding programming and developing exhibits that convey an accurate account of the character, the accomplishments and the day-to-day challenges of Lake County’s turn of the century settlers.
Lake County Historical Society and the Ely Stage Stop are run and developed by volunteers dedicated to preserving the rich history of Lake County. Funding, through memberships dues, donations and fundraising, enables them to continue to operate as a 501c3 nonprofit.
Online Memberships and Donations payments will be available soon! Until then, please use the button to download our printable form to send with your check payment.
A great way to create a lasting legacy is to create a memorial donation in the name of a special person. Plans are in place to have memorial donations displayed on site.
Your support ensures the preservation of Lake County’s history and enables hands-on educational experiences for generations to come. Thank you!
Thanks to All of Our
Generous Supporters!
2023 Was a Big Year!
The Ely Stage Stop Museum in the Rear-view Mirror
In 2023, the museum saw a minimum of 1,300 visitors. Museum visitors represent 13 countries, 34 states, and 142 California cities. We have officially recovered from the Covid low attendence in 2020 of 440.
From 50 to 100 visitors enjoyed our once-a-month Fiddler's Jam events each month throughout the year.
Our annual picnic in May was the best.
In July, we were able to recover an ore cart from Sulphur Bank Mine and the Lower Lake 4-H crew helped sort through some of the horse tack in our collection.
Volunteers began work in August on restoring the Fitch 4-Drive tractor.
In September, the Kelseyville Jail was moved to its new foundation and restored. The Blacksmith Shop got its signage. The Ferron Freight Wagon restoration was finished, brought back to the Ely, and made its first appearance in the Kelseyville Pear Fest Parade. University students from around the U.S. gathered at the Ely for an Emergency Services meeting.
Restoration began in November on the 1906 Peerless Motor Co. Engine that will run the blacksmith shop line shaft.
December brought Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus to the Ely Stage Stop. The Lake County Wine Alliance provided a grant to assist the Museum in its curation efforts for 2024.
Other projects included new barn doors on the blacksmith barn, a Fire Safe Display by the Fire Safe Council, the purchase, training, and installation of portable defibulators, new plants and caretaking of the Native Plant Garden, and the development and mounting of 6 new interpretive panels.
A Very Big Thank You to our Docents, Volunteers, Donors and Supporting Members, and to Our Guests!
