The South County Historical Society in Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, United States | Museum | Historical Society | Heritage Village | Historic | Museum Services | Historic Site

The South County Historical Society represents the areas of Arroyo Grande, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Grover Beach, Oceano, Nipomo, Halcyon, Edna Valley, Los Berros, Oso Flaco and Huasna in San Luis Obispo County, California. The Society is dedicated to research, restoration and dissemination of information to preserve our Historical heritage.

Heritage House Museum & Gardens - built in the late 1800's. In 1976 the house was sold to the City of Arroyo Grande and was used as a daycare center. It also housed the City Recreation Department. The Historical Society acquired the house in 1997 and it now houses a visitor's center and Museum. A gazebo and garden were added to provide a beautiful setting for weddings and other social events.

The Santa Manuela Schoolhouse a one-room schoolhouse, was built in 1901 on the property of Joseph Jatta which is now under the water of Lake Lopez. The Schoolhouse was used until 1957 and was then moved to another location to due to the construction of the dam at the lake. It was moved again in 1999 to Short Street at the South end of the Swinging Bridge. The Schoolhouse was completely restored to its original condition including the students chairs, chalkboards, maps, books, etc. The Schoolhouse is open Saturdays from 12-3 and on Sundays from 1-4 and is free of charge.

Dr. Paulding, also a talented wood worker spent many hours working on carvings which can be seen in the Paulding History House, cira 1889. The house along with countless other artifacts, among them the only authentic Cumash Indian basket in the County can be viewed on 1st Saturdays of the month.

Ruby's House - Patricia Loomis History Library and Resource Center - This new center will offer teachers, students, journalists and researchers a wealth of materials on California history with a special emphasis on local South San Luis Obispo County history.

The "Barn" is The South County Historical Society's Museum Annex which houses a variety of antique vehicles and agricultural artifacts from the South County area. It also houses vintage printing presses and other interesting exhibits. The Barn is located just a few steps from the Santa Manuela Schoolhouse and immediately behind the Heritage House, a Historical home which is also a Museum with an interesting collection of period clothing, photographs, kitchen items and more.

The South County Historical Society acquired the Historic I00F Hall property which was formerly the meeting place for the International Order of Odd Fellows in 1985. The hall is located at 128 Bridge Street and was built in 1902 on land donated by Mrs. Elston in 1898. The building was completed in six months at the cost of $5.500.00. A local contractor, Ben Stuart did the stone work with native sandstone which came from a quarry just south of Arroyo Grande. The Hall was placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 1991.