MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Lake County has a new museum highlighting the history of the areas south of Clear Lake.

Gibson Museum & Cultural Center, at 21267 Calistoga St., faces the new Middletown Community Center and Middletown Square across Highway 29, which runs from Calistoga through Middletown to Clear Lake.

The Gibson building itself first opened as the Gibson Library in 1930 and reopened on May 3.

“Among the exhibits featured initially are area geology and archeology, as well as artifacts recalling the native population and the character of early settlers and development,” said Voris Brumfield, president of the Lake County Historical Society and coordinator of the Gibson Museum Volunteer/ Guides.

“Displays include implements of the quicksilver mines and mementos of the hot springs resorts that spurred the growth of South Lake County in the 1800s and into the mid-20th century. Once numbering more than 30, only a fraction of original resorts remain open to the public,” Brumfield said.

The Gibson Museum & Cultural Center is open Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to 6 p.m.

Like the Ely Stage Stop & Country Museum on Soda Bay Road in Kelseyville, the Gibson Museum was created in cooperation with the county of Lake, owners of the structures and land, and the Lake County Historical Society.

To contact the Gibson Museum, phone 707-809-8009, write GMCC Box 31, Middletown, CA 95461, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.cgibsonmuseum.com .