History of the Calif House

Samuel Calif, from Iowa, constructed the three-story Beaver limestone building as a boarding house, general store and his family's residence in 1889. This continued to be the main purpose of the building until the late 1940's. In 1951 the Elk's Lodge bought the building, using it as their lodge hall.

In 1971, the Ozark Folk Festival, Inc., desiring to restore the building to its original glory, purchased the building and established the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. In 1980, the building was officially turned over to the non-profit organization, the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. The Calif House has been operating as a museum since 1971. We invite you to come and experience the rich history and culture that has been preserved here.