MAY DIGITAL HIGHLIGHT

Locke Foundation Archives

The Locke Foundation
& Boarding House Museum

  • Archive Partner: Locke Foundation
  • Location: Locke, California
  • Collection: Community Archives
Locke Foundation Logo

Locke Foundation logo, representing the organization’s cultural and archival work.

Locke Boarding House

Locke Boarding House Museum

A Boarding House
at the Heart of Locke

A Living Heritage

The Locke Foundation’s mission is to educate the public about and preserve the complex cultural history of this remarkable Sacramento River Delta town and neighboring communities — collecting artifacts, documents, research, and life histories that bring stories to life for every visitor.

The Only Surviving Rural Chinese American Town in the United States

The town of Locke, nestled in the Delta region of Sacramento County, stands as the sole surviving rural agricultural community in America built exclusively by Chinese Americans for Chinese Americans. Since its founding in 1915, Locke has been woven into a rich cultural web of immigrant families extending across Northern California, China, and beyond.

Archival materials and reference library inside the Locke Foundation boarding house.

Preservation

A Museum Rooted in Community

In 2008, California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) purchased and restored the building that is now the Locke Boarding House Museum. Working with State Parks, the all-volunteer, nonprofit Locke Foundation operates the museum alongside the privately owned Joe Shoong Chinese School, Dai Loy Gambling House, Jan Ying Chinese Association Museum, and Locke Memorial Park.
 
Foundation volunteers serve as docents, curatorial and research staff, oral history interview teams, along with organizing and funding numerous free educational and cultural events throughout the year.
Founded

1915

Designation

National Historic District

Part of the greater Delta National Heritage Area

Open to the Public

All museums are free and open
Friday through Sunday
11 AM to 4 PM

The State's Foundation

Artifacts at the Boarding House Museum are from two sources.  State Parks furnished the initial display items from the state’s general collection of artifacts that are reflective of rural immigrant life in California from 1915 on.  

The People’s Legacy

However, a considerable number of artifacts now on exhibit are part of the foundation’s collection that has been donated by families that resided and worked in Locke or other nearby Delta communities.  

Coming Fall 2026

A new researcher’s finding guide and digital E-Museum are in development — bringing the archive’s collection online for the first time.

Research Opportunities

A Growing Archive Open to All

The foundation holds a growing library of publications on life in Locke, the Delta, and the Chinese experience in California. Over 20 oral history interviews — both audio and video — are available, with transcripts and edited video in progress. A full digital archive is planned for October 2026.

Explore Further

Visit Locke-Foundation.org

Group Tours

  • Available for a nominal fee
  • Request via email: lockefoundation1915@gmail.com
  • Or by calling: (916) 776-1684