The Trinidad Museum Society (TMS) was founded in 1980 from an idea by Bruce Pettit to preserve and interpret Trinidad history. The museum was incorporated on February 3, 1983. Trinidad Museum Society highlights the history of the greater Trinidad area between Big Lagoon to the north and the Little River to the south.

Mission Statement

“Enhancing appreciation of our Trinidad Area’s rich past” by collecting, preserving, and interpreting material and information illustrative of the human and natural heritage of California’s north coast, and by increasing public awareness, appreciation and understanding of the diverse cultural and natural history of the Trinidad region is Trinidad Museum Society’s Mission.

In September 2009 the Museum moved from its original location at 529-B Trinity Street to its current location at 400 Janis Court, in the historic Sangster-Watkins-Underwood House.