Heritage House of Riverside

Heritage House is from a bygone era and remains a special aspect of Riverside’s history.  Originally built and owned by Catherine Bettner, orange grove owner, it is a Queen Anne style home where Mrs. Bettner resided until 1928.  Owned now by the Museum of Riverside, this 1891 Victorian house museum depicts life in turn-of-the century Riverside.  An elegant reminder of the affluent homes which once graced Magnolia Avenue, Heritage House began as a project of the Riverside Museum Associates.  Heritage House, nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, serves as a fine example and reminder of Riverside’s prosperity as a citrus empire at the turn of the twentieth century.

Volunteering at Heritage House

Heritage House volunteers can be immersed in Everything Heritage House in various ways.  They can train to be docents, leading tours of visitors through the house as they relate how the house reflects the 1890s mode of living in Riverside.  Or, they can share their passion for this grand house by working in the popular gift shop, assisting at special events, assisting with 3rd grade school tours, participating in garden projects and participating in traditional Victorian tea events.  This involvement encourages a strong pride in the property and respect for the history of the City. Volunteering at Heritage House bridges the gap between the nineteenth and twenty first centuries.  Volunteer and come join the fun.

Heritage House as an educational resource

The partnership of the Riverside Museum Associates and the Museum of Riverside continues to ensure preservation and interpretation of Heritage House.  Heritage House is open to the public September through June for docent-led tours.  School and adult tours are also available by appointment.  Heritage House hosts numerous seasonal events such as a traditional Christmas Open House, an Ice Cream Social, the Moon Festival, as well as Victorian Teas and Themed Teas for children and adults.