Is Visalia Ready for a Cultural Center Museum?

Well, Visalia Heritage, Inc. thinks it is, and the local history group has the "cred" to back it up. Since 1978, they've been an effective supporter and financial backer for many big projects including the Visalia Cemetery Chapel restoration, the children's library restoration at the Visalia/Tulare County Library, and rehabilitation efforts at the Fox Theatre. Its mission is to "advocate, support and encourage preservation of historical structures and resources," and they have taken it seriously.

Now the 46-year-old nonprofit has its sights on another big project - the creation of a cultural center museum for Visalia. The Heritage board of directors believes the center could be transformational for the community by showcasing the history of the town and the people that made it. Visalia, the Tulare County seat and the oldest existing town between Los Angeles and nearly to Stockton, does not yet have a cultural center museum, even though many smaller communities in the county do.

The center would house artifacts, family heirlooms, historical exhibits and archival material. It would showcase cultural displays that would reflect the rich history of the many groups that contributed to the history of the town. The center could become a centerpiece for the community.

Walter Deissler, president of Visalia Heritage, emphasized its importance. He said, "A cultural center museum is essential for preserving our local heritage. It will foster community pride and enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike. It will serve as a bridge between our past and future and celebrate the diverse stories that shape our identity and inspire future generations to appreciate and honor our rich cultural tapestry."

Visit Visalia, the local tourism organization, supports the center idea as well. Executive Director Sherrie Bakke said, "Visalia welcomes visitors from around the globe. The cultural center would provide a place for us to share Visalia's very interesting history and celebrate the many diverse cultural contributors of our community."

According to Bakke, not only would a cultural center highlight Visalia's history, there would be economic benefits as well. "Research shows cultural centers generate positive economic impacts to the local community from tourism. With more than one million people entering Sequoia National Park from Highway 198, a cultural center would entice travelers to stay in Visalia one more night," she said.

Even though a site for the center has not been selected, Visalia Heritage is looking closely at the historic, now vacant, Southern Pacific Railroad depot at 107 E. Oak Street. The former home to the Southern Pacific Railroad Depot restaurant closed during the COVID pandemic and never reopened. Now the building is for sale, and Deissler and the building owners have been talking. They are receptive to the plan.

The building is a landmark in Visalia. The Spanish style structure was built by the Southern Pacific Railroad in 1916, replacing the 1893 wood framed depot that had been on the site. The architectural style of this stucco building is similar to other S.P. depots throughout the country.

In 1940, when train travel declined, the depot closed. For years the building stood vacant. Eventually, the train station was sold to the Cobb family, who in 1971 repurposed it into the Depot restaurant. In 1975, Andrew Piperis bought the building and business. He ran it until his death in 2008. Then Jan, his widow, continued to operate it. Three years later, she sold it to the Vartanian family, who still owns the building today.

The Visalia Heritage board believes the landmark building would make a wonderful cultural center museum. Not only is the architectural style of the building appropriate, it is in a compatible neighborhood.

On November 14, 2024, Visalia Heritage hosted a community meeting to share their cultural center ideas and solicit feedback. Richard Peterson, president of the U. S. Cultural and Heritage Tourism Marketing Council, facilitated the meeting held in the Peter Carey Gallery at The Lofts at Fort Visalia. It was a standing room only crowd with over 100 in attendance. Of those who spoke, all expressed support for the project. Following the meeting, participants were given a tour of the nearby Depot.

Early sentiment and feedback supports the creation of a cultural center museum, but is the community as a whole sold on the idea? What about the leaders of the city? Visalia Heritage would like your input and ideas!

If you'd like more information about Visalia Heritage or would like an opportunity to comment on the cultural center museum plan, visit their website at http://www.visaliaheritage.com, email visaliaheritageinc@gmail.com, or call (559) 972-4872.