Welcome to the Perris Valley Museum Historical Archives

A Virtual Tour of the New Facility to be Housed in the Bank of Perris Building

Created by Christina Alanne Perris Archivist Perris Valley Historical Association Archival Library

A Little History on the Bank of Perris Building Originally built in 1918 by the Stewart family, the Bank of Perris building operated as the only bank in the city of Perris in its early years. After serving as a bank, it then became a real estate office before falling into disrepair. In 2001, the building was gifted to the city of Perris in the hope that it could someday be preserved. Nine years and $500,000 later, the dream has been realized and the building will now serve as the new home of the Perris Valley Museum Historical Archives.

Now… On with the Tour!

The Main Floor

Floorplan of the Main Floor

Lobby Area This area will be the area of the facility for the patrons. Researchers will be able to view materials from the facility’s collections in this area at comfortable research stations illuminated not only by overhead lights but also four large plate-glass windows.

Bank Room This area will be the area of the facility for facility’s holdings. In this area, the staff of the facility, lead by the archivist, will handle and process materials in the collection. The counters in the partition will be where staff will distribute materials to patrons and answer questions.

Vault This area will be the area of the facility for facility’s more sensitive holdings, such as photographs and historic documents. It will have a strictly regulated level of humidity and purified air. Only staff will be able to enter to this part of the facility.

Office This area will be the area of the facility for the archivist and the Perris Valley Historical Association to conduct business. The archivist will also use this area of the facility to meet with prospective donors of archival materials.

Bathroom The bathroom in the Perris Valley Historical Association Archival Library is ADA (American with Disabilities Act) compliant, featuring an automated door to make access to the facilities both easy and discreet.

Hallway and Inside Stairs This part of the facility conducts patrons and staff to the bathroom and the staff down into the basement of the facility. The hall is spacious to meet ADA (American with Disabilities Act) standards. The stairs are very narrow and steep.

The Basement

Floorplan of the Basement

Inside Stairs This part of the facility conducts staff down into the basement of the facility. Although it is well lighted, this last section of the stairs poses the one hazard – a low ceiling that if one rushes down too quickly, they will crack their head on it. Be careful!

Basement This part of the facility will be the literal “multipurpose” room of the facility. Staff will work on initially processing materials, which can be extremely dirty work and assembling exhibits in this area. It will also be used as a storage are for supplies.

Outside Stairs These stairs will be primarily used to receive shipments and large donations of archival materials in the facility. Secured by a newly added overhand and a beautiful wrought-iron cage and gate, it will not only be safe but very functional.

Thank You for Taking the Time to go on this Virtual Tour of the Perris Valley Museum Historical Archives

We Hope You Will Come Visit Us When Our Facility Opens in Early 2010!