Jukichi Harada emigrated from Japan during the early 1900’s. He purchased his house in 1915 and placed ownership of the house in the hands of his three minor children, who were natural-born United States citizens. This was because immigrants from Japan were prevented from owning property by the California Alien Land Law of 1913. After the purchase, neighboring property owners attempted to drive the Haradas out, without success. State authorities then filed suit against the children to bring it into state ownership in 1916. In 1918, Superior Court Judge Hugh Craig upheld the right of the children to own the house. During World War II, the Haradas were sent to Japanese internment camps, where both Jukichi Harada and his wife died. During their internment, a Caucasian friend of the family occupied the house, and the family was able to retain ownership. In the years after the war, Sumi Harada, one of the three children, took over the house and boarded other Japanese families who had lost their homes during their internment. The house became a City of Riverside Landmark in 1977 and a National Historic Landmark in 1990. In 2004 the house was given to the Riverside Metropolitan Museum. In 2020 it was nominated as a California Historic Landmark.

Great place has a very spacious parking lot

This is Riversides humble little museum. It does have interesting exhibits on the history of Riverside city and county. The local history even covers the varied Native people from the Cahuilla, Serrano, and Luiseno Bands of Indians. The cultural artifacts on display are good examples of Native ingenuity and craftsmanship. And, Dont forget to see the Biological displays of our local flora and fauna up stairs. The gift shop also has some rare and hard to find books for sale.

I was not at the museum but today was big day so that was in front which was a great fair to visit. Strong recommendation on that

Nice bug exhibition here, kids got a rare bug and butterfly to take home...

CLOSED for renovations!!!

Not too much to see here but what is here is really cool.

Amazing place to visit

Kind of small, but the exhibits are good quality. Dont expect to spend more than an hour and a half here though. The nature lab is also a fun little activity for children when it is open.

It’s close and has been for while do to renovations so don’t come out expecting it to be open cause it’s not although the website says it is

This place is amazing, I will be back to see the things I missed. Educational and Historical. Highly recommended for as visit.

Admission is free, and there is a lot to see. The variety is nice, ranging from nature, animals, natives, general area history, and more. Great place to visit.

Been coming here for years. Ive noticed the exhibits have gotten smaller. Very clean friendly people there always willing get to help you.

The photography exhibit upstairs is interesting, and gives a good perspective of Riverside as it grew into the city it is today. Unfortunately thought, the bottom floor is pretty small, with a real limited offering.

The exhibits are nice, indigenous to the riverside area. Small but welcoming, and right across the street from the Mission Inn.

Always a favorite with the kids. Especially upstairs. Learn about your local community. Free on first of the month Sundays with kids activities after 1pm

My family enjoys visiting every chance we get. Its very educational

A interesting and friendly place to spend an hour or two. Learn local history and the origins of much of Riversides mysteries.

Nice artifacts from the past 18th century.Different eras of mammals that existed a long time ago.Very intriguing. I like the small shop with different planatonic stones.

It was quaint And interesting indigenous animals and native American artifacts

Went to the 3rd annual bug festival, and was very well presented!

One of the best resources for kids in this city. Special learning events related to various sciences, especially anthropology.

Great day trip for you and the kids.

Nice small museum, frequent events.

Nice exhibits, good place to spend some time

Had a good time with the family the kids loved it

Not much and has had the same thing up for the past 4 yrs

Fun historical exhibits

Nice, learning experience.

A must see for everyone

Not much here besides Indian baskets.

Fun

Good place for kids

Educational, fun and great for kids!

Fun, nice

Upstairs and downstairs exhibit, dont forget to visit the gift shop

Awesome place to learn history

There wasnt a lot there.