Welcome
From everyday house keys, to intricately designed locks and escutcheons, to safes once stuffed with money and handcuffs that held criminals of old...the magic and mystery of locks and keys through the centuries opens before your eyes at The Jehning Family Lock Museum of Mountain View.Discover a wealth of locks, keys, locksmithing tools, safes, and hundreds of other fascinating items - and enjoy hands-on fun for families and groups, a living series of changing exhibits, and a very special gift shop.
Hours are Wednesday, noon to 5 p.m., Thursday, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed most major holidays.
|
New Exhibit
The Ames Building, home of the Museum, is thought to be the second-oldest building on Mountain View's Castro Street. Built in 1903 by Professor Daniel T. Ames, a nationally known handwriting expert, it was damaged in 1906 by the San Francisco Earthquake, but was quickly rebuilt. However, over the years many of its architectural elements were wiped away in modernization efforts. The building has been home to a variety of stores and businesses, including the town's first newspaper, the Mountain View Register-Leader. Since the 1960s it has been home to Mountain View Lock & Key. Audrey and Al Jehning, founders of the Museum and former owners of Mountain View Lock & Key, purchased The Ames Building in 1996 and set about restoring the facade to its former glory. The renovation was completed in time for a gala celebration of the building's centennial. The Ames Building once again stands out as one of Mountain View's most notable examples of historic commercial architecture. Many of the artifacts on display in this exhibit were discovered on site during the renovation project. Others were generously donated by descendants of Professor Ames. |
