Visalia Heritage Begins Campaign to Transform Historic Southern Pacific Depot

"All Aboard, Visalia" Campaign Starts

VISALIA, Calif., July 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Visalia Heritage, a historic preservation organization, has launched their most ambitious project in its 45-year history – a bold plan to restore Visalia's historic Southern Pacific Depot and transform it into a Museum and Cultural Center celebrating the region's diverse stories and shared heritage.

The organization has begun a $6 million capital campaign titled "All Aboard, Visalia!" The three-year capital campaign will fund the purchase and renovation of The Depot, the creation of interactive exhibits, and the development of public programming.

The group is also seeking regional, state and federal grant funding which, if awarded, will be used for structural repairs, façade restoration, and interpretive exhibits.

"Visalia is the oldest town in California's Central Valley, with so much history to tell, and yet it has no museum of its own," said Walter Deissler, president of Visalia Heritage. "The Depot, built in 1916, is an important part of that history. It is time to bring this beautiful building back to life."

Visalia Heritage is working with historians, architects, and community members to shape the vision for the cultural center and museum. The campaign is now gathering early support, building momentum and inviting key stakeholders to help lead the way.

Visalia Heritage encourages individuals and organizations interested in supporting this preservation effort to explore ways to get involved. More information is available on their website: visaliaheritage.org/all-aboard-visalia.

About Visalia Heritage: Founded in 1978, Visalia Heritage preserves and promotes the rich history of Visalia and Tulare County. The organization has restored the chapel at the Visalia District Cemetery, created a historic walking tour of downtown, remodeled the Annie Mitchell History Room at the Visalia Library and created the Heritage Room of early Visalia history in The Lofts at Fort Visalia.

About Visit Visalia: Visit Visalia is a collaboration of the Visalia Tourism Marketing District, and the Visalia Convention and Visitors Bureau (VCVB) dedicated to marketing, advertising, public relations and other promotional efforts that inspire travel to the City of Visalia. For more information about Visit Visalia go to www.VisitVisalia.com and follow Visit Visalia on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

SOURCE Visit Visalia