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[caption id="attachment_956" align="alignleft" width="300"] Maag House Of Orange County[/caption]

We've visited the Heritage Museum Of Orange County twice in the last 3 years, both times on my birthday.  We returned recently mainly to see if they had completed work on the Maag House built in 1800 which is a part of the museum.  It's been under construction for some time, but on this day it appeared to be opened.

The front of the home appeared closed with a padlock on the door handle, but the side readily welcomed us with a sign to step up onto the porch.  High on the outer wall facing us was an attractive grouping of old photos in pretty frames and tour phones just underneath them.  Like a child I rushed up the porch in my sandals and found myself tripping into the wall with my feet twisted into three large pipes vertically placed (yes, I should have worn tennis shoes).

The Heritage Museum of Orange County was closing as we had arrived a bit late.  So I decided to just leave and notify them of the problem later.  I haven't been back so I wanted to begin my review with a warning to be cautious at the Maag House and proceed up the porch with caution or just take a look from a distance.  It's probably best to wait until all their work is completed.  After a few hours I was feeling better thankfully, but the potential danger was there.

 

The Heritage Museum of Orange County

[caption id="attachment_961" align="aligncenter" width="640"] The Parlor Of The Heritage Museum of Orange County[/caption]

 The Heritage Museum Of Orange County Is Used As An Example To Educate The Local Children About The Victorian Era

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[caption id="attachment_965" align="alignleft" width="300"] Heritage Museum Of Orange County[/caption]

Our visit of the Heritage Museum of Orange County was a positive experience when we visited a couple of years ago.  It's a beautiful home with the colors of the Victorian era as you can see in the photo above of the parlor or music room.  It's filled with unique decorations such as the large butterfly and moths that quickly caught my attention.

At the time we went it was free so we had the guided tour and then we were able to look around the house on our own with a well-planned personal tour booklet we were given.  I've included the current costs below.

The home was designed and built by Hiram Clay Kellogg.  He was the first engineer of Santa Ana and Orange County.  The house was moved to it's current address on Harvard street (see address below) from another location in the area in 1980 to avoid a scheduled demolition.  Until then it served the family into the 1950's.

[caption id="attachment_975" align="alignright" width="233"] Stairway - Heritage Museum of Orange County[/caption]

Mr. Kellogg's first wife died following the birth of their only child.  He remarried and had four more children, five in all.  While living in the home, he designed the towns of Elsinore and Corona and designed the Pacific Electric Railway connecting the cities of San Bernardino, Riverside and Colton.

The most interesting part of the home once inside, is the the fact that he developed an interest in ship design during his sailings to  Hawaii.  The large structure in the center of the elliptical staircase is a ship's mast.  However interesting, the stairs are not easy to climb for anyone with walking problems and for parents with small children. The landing halfway up the stairs has views of the the vestibule and the dining room but it's dangerous.  This is because it's designed like a ship's bridge and the railing or banister is short, making it easy for unattended children to fall over the side.  So if you have small children, hold onto their hands throughout the tour and especially if you're on your own without a guide. Also the house is 3 stories, but only the first and second floors are available for viewing.

The grounds also provide nature trails, a rose garden, citrus groves, the Blacksmith Shop, and a Gift House as well as the Maag House. It's a very peaceful environment with benches for sitting and resting.

For visiting purposes I rate the Heritage Museum and the grounds with 4 stars out of 5 because the stairs can be difficult for some people to use and the building issues of the Maag house. Other than that I loved the house and I'm impressed with the way it's been carefully preserved. The parking lot leads to the grounds and houses, however it's some distance and there is no way to let out person's with disabilities or walking difficulties in front of or near the main house.

 

Heritage Museum of Orange County Information

Please call before visiting as prices and hours can change.

Hours:

Friday: 1:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Or Call For Groups of 10 or more for appointment only tours.

Weddings available.  Call for information.

Prices and Amenities:

Adults: $5
Seniors/Children: $4
Free parking
Free use of grounds for individuals and families during public hours
AAA/Access Member Discounts

 

Special for Santa Ana Residents Only:

Free Admission & Tour on first Sunday of every month.
Address:
3101 West Harvard Street
Santa Ana, CA 92704

Phone:
714-540-0404

Parking

There is a convenient parking lot with plenty of parking. The parking lot leads to the buildings.













 

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