The Board of Directors of the Benicia Historical Museum is composed by members of the museum elected for terms of three years. The elections are held during the Annual Membership meeting every September.
James Lessenger  President	Toni Haughey Vice President	Mary Marino Secretary	Ian Toner Treasurer	Lou Alfeld  Assist.Treasurer
John Halliday	Larry Lauber	Carol Scott	Bill Scott	Susan Sullivan
Jim Trimble	Bill Warren

A message from The Board

What makes Benicia special? The Benicia Historical Museum answers that question in part through the fulfillment of its mission, "to share the story of Benicia’s place in the history and development of our country." That this is possible is because of the dedication of a small group of Benicians who in the early 1980s were determined to preserve the history of this historic town. It was because of their efforts that the City of Benicia recognized the uniqueness and value of preservation of this National Historic Place. On December 7, 1982, the Benicia City Council dedicated the Camel Barn complex that houses the Museum. The Museum was dedicated on May 19, 1985.

The museum complex is comprised of four buildings. At present, the main museum exhibits are housed in building #9 on the second floor. The first phase of new interactive exhibits created by Anne Toxey and Patrick McMillan of Toxey/McMillan Design Associates has been installed. The storyboards have been completed. As funds become available, these exhibits will be built out to display more detail and create interactive projects. Toxey/McMillan are world-renowned artists in their field and have contributed their time and talent to the Museum. In addition to the museum displays, building #9 provides a spacious hall, which can be rented for weddings, receptions, concerts and newly inaugurated Murder Mystery Theater Dinners. Work is progressing on the Spenger Gardens behind this building.

A large warehouse type building houses the storage of artifacts, offices for the curator and accessioning, fundraising, volunteers and education. We expect to use space in this building for an Industrial History Exhibit. Behind this building the Galilee, the greatest of Matthew Turner’s ships is housed. There is also space here for the "hands on" activities for the many classes of students who come to the Museum.

One smaller building houses the museum office. Another is the architecturally beautiful Powder Magazine in which we are continuing our work on the exhibit of the Arsenal and Military history. We have special projects for the ship Galilee and the Scampo fishing boat, important vessels in Benicia, California and U. S. history. The Scampo is in the upper parking lot of the museum. A local group of ship lovers is paying attention to the needs of protecting and restoring this historic boat.

Is Benicia special? We at the Museum think so. We think you will become more enthusiastic about the greatness of this little city on the Carquinez Strait when you visit and see the beautiful sandstone structures that are being preserved by the Museum, along with the history of the city and with the cooperation of the City of Benicia. The enormity of our stewardship, which can be achieved only by the dedicated Board and Staff along with many volunteers, is an awesome responsibility that we take very seriously.

We invite you to visit. We hope that all Benicians visiting will recognize the value of membership in this prestigious organization. You will agree that Benicia is special.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Board of Directors
Museum Director