History Galleries

The Haggin Museum’s history collection and exhibits relate primarily to local and regional history. The extensive history galleries offer visitors a chance to travel back in time to learn more about Stockton and California history.

Pioneer Room
Focuses upon the City of Stockton -- its founding in the late 1840s by Charles M. Weber, a German immigrant; its Gold Rush past; its role during the California Grain Trade; and its development throughout much of the 20th century.

California Room
Chronicles early California and Stockton history, including explorers, missions, the Gold Rush, and local businesses such as Stephens Bros. Boatbuilders and Sperry Flour Co.

Jennie Hunter Rooms
Replicates four rooms from the 1890s homestead of Miss Jennie Hunter and her family -- prosperous wheat ranchers in nearby Linden.

Holt Memorial Hall
Documents Stockton’s contributions to industrial history. Features a Holt ‘75’ Caterpillar track-type tractor with a 1904 Haines-Houser combined harvester, both of which were developed in Stockton. Also includes Benjamin Holt's invention workshop.

Storefronts
Recreates the interiors of a number of businesses as they would have appeared in a turn-of-the-century California town and includes a Schoolroom, Chinese Herb Shop, General Store, Blacksmith Shop and Saloon.

Vehicle Gallery
The Vehicle Gallery features Stockton’s early fire engines, including Old Betsy, the second oldest steam engine on display in the country, along with a World War II military jeep named Willy.

American Indian Gallery
See firsthand how a Central Sierra Miwok family lived in the 1840s before the Gold Rush and view original artifacts from a variety of Native American cultures. Features one of the most extensive collections of Native Californian basketry in the State.