Roseville's unique Carnegie Museum -

Typical of all Carnegie Libraries were stairs leading to the entrance signifying elevation of spirit and knowledge.

Libraries are a sanctuary from the noise and routine of life. When a library becomes a museum, does it still possess the qualities of cerebral calmness? The Roseville Historical Society has attempted to create a unique hybrid of museum and library within the historic Carnegie Museum.

Quiet library to Carnegie Museum

You definitely know you are not stepping into a library the moment you push open the door and the authentic railroad crossing bell clangs and lights flash. Managed by the Roseville Historical Society, the Carnegie Museum, which started out as one of the famed Carnegie Libraries in 1912, is as much a historical artifact on display as the ephemera and antique appliances inside. The Carnegie Museum is situated directly across from the railroad tracks that were first laid for the California Central Railroad which connected Folsom to Lincoln.

Novice historical research

Roseville electric clock commemorating 100 years of Roseville Electric Company.

As an amateur historian I have a love-hate relationship with libraries and museums. Unless you are with a publication or are a credentialed historian, curators of historical collections won’t give you the time of day. I was able to find resources at the Carnegie Museum that other libraries had placed in special climate controlled rooms with limited access. While I fully appreciate the preservation aspect, they are just books.

History locked behind copyrights

The lack of access to historical material coupled with limited on-line availability only succeeds in diminishing research and appreciation of local historical events, structures and families. I purposely make my historical blog posts available for all to read and critique. History and its presentation should not be a “for-profit” venture. Published books and owners of historical documents encumber the distribution and use of these “public historical goods” with overly extensive copyright laws.

Roseville history on display

Pin rolls used int the hand crank organ grinder.

The Roseville Historical Society obviously developed a plan for displaying their historical donations and to create a visitor experience which included a working model train. In addition to an extensive collection of railroad memorabilia, they also feature business and household items from local Roseville residents. Housed with in the beautiful architecture of the Carnegie Museum, many displays resonate a true feeling with the past.

Accessible reference material

Most important for novice historians such as myself is the mini-reference library of history books, several written by local authors. I used several of the history books as background information and clues for my research into the California Central Railroad, Sacramento, Placer and Nevada Railroad and the gold mining bars along the north fork of the American River. The Roseville Historical Society is now on a mission to index back issues of the Roseville Press Tribune.

Historical knowledge

Beyond the elegant architecture, well curated displays and reference material are some truly wonderful and inspiring volunteers. The folks I have met at the Roseville Historical Society managing the Carnegie Museum are not your typical curators or special collection librarians. Volunteers such as Phoebe Astill and Jim Fisher are fountains of help and information.

Unique historical opportunity

Original railroad line came up Folsom street heading to Lincoln.

The Carnegie Museum and the Roseville Historical Society combined represent a potentially dynamic form of local historical reference. Most libraries or city halls only provide a snippet of their historical resources. The vast majority of local historical information is locked up in a warehouse some place. While there are some nice living history museums, they don’t offer the chance to really explore and research the past. And the tremendous hurdle for all libraries and museums is the money necessary to catalog, index and then offer publicly their rich treasure trove of photos and documents.

What’s the future for the Carnegie Museum?

A combination museum, living history and easily accessible research material is already embodied within the Roseville Historical Society and Carnegie Museum. At this point, it is up to volunteers and those who love history to help the Carnegie Museum reach its full potential and widest possible audience. History that is hidden is history that is forgotten. Everyone should swing by the Carnegie Museum and feel the presence of this historic structure and brush up against the local history of Roseville on display.