The Little Temecula History Museum Is Raising Money For AC: Report

TEMECULA, CA — Last August, 128 people packed into the Little Temecula History Museum to watch a documentary on the 1847 “Temecula Massacre.” As with many summer events at the museum, they sat through 90-degree heat inside the uncooled building — an experience that made the past feel a little too present.

Now, the Temecula Valley Historical Society is working to change that. The group is raising funds for an air conditioning system — an upgrade that would cost about $25,000, The Press Enterprise reported.

That very night, a "climate control fund" donation box collected $200 from sweating guests.

“The one commonality in the room that night … was when everybody got up and their backs were sweaty," Dave Wilson, president of the historical society, told the newspaper.

To help kickstart the effort, Wilson says an anonymous donor from the Midwest has pledged to match $10,000 in community contributions. So far, more than $6,000 has been raised — including $3,750 from the city of Temecula.

The society has used the space as a museum since the early 2000s.

“Having AC will make a huge difference in community engagement during the summer,” Rebecca Farnbach, past president of the museum board and current treasurer, told the newspaper.

READ MORE FROM THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE.

Those who would like to make a donation or learn more about the Temecula Valley Historical Society can visit this link.

The museum is open on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.