Construction has officially begun on a major transformation of a historic home in Novato into a new Novato History Museum.
Novato Mayor Rachel Farac joined councilmembers Tim O’Connor and Pat Eklund in a ceremonial shovel-turning Tuesday, along with Novato Historical Guild members Jeanne MacLeamy and Susan Magnone.
“This project brings together the best of both worlds: preserving the historic character of this building while creating a welcoming space where our community can gather and explore Novato’s rich history,” said Farac.
Magnone said $3.2 million was raised by the guild for the renovation of the city-owned historic Scott House at 917 Sherman Ave. in the Novato Civic Center. The work will include a seismic retrofit that involves raising the building and rebuilding its foundation to withstand earthquakes, as well as the replacement of all plumbing and electrical systems. An elevator will be installed to make the attraction accessible.
Under an agreement with the city, which owns the property and museum artifacts, the guild promised to cover all the costs of renovating the Scott House in return for the right to operate the history museum for 50 years. Guild volunteers will curate and operate the museum, and entrance will be free.
“The most significant artifact in the archive is an original document from the U.S. Supreme Court signed in 1866 by President Andrew Johnson rendering a court decision that granted the Rancho de Novato land to Bezar Simmons,” Magnone said.
It was one of a series of challenges by the federal government over the ownership of land grants given by Mexico to the early settlers that led to California statehood.
The new museum is expected to open in 2027.
