ARTICLE 2. County Museums, and Historical Records and Property [5120. - 5132.]

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC 2.

in effect

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5120. Section 5120.

The board of supervisors of any county may by ordinance declare its intention to establish and maintain a museum of history, science, art, or similar objects. After the ordinance has taken effect, the board may exercise any or all of the powers provided in this article, directly or by agents under its direction and control. The board may exercise any other power necessary and proper to promote the objects and purposes of a museum devoted to the acquisition, exhibition, and utilization of scientific, artistic, historical, or similar material.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5121. Section 5121.

The board may acquire and manage real and personal property necessary properly to house and care for the exhibits and materials placed in the museum.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5122. Section 5122.

The board may acquire and maintain a library in furtherance of the objects of the museum.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5123. Section 5123.

The board may purchase, collect, trade, exchange, or otherwise acquire exhibition or study material proper or necessary for the use of the museum, and may sell, lend, or exchange material, according to the established custom of museums.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5124. Section 5124.

The board may conduct lectures, entertainments and receptions, and hold meetings in furtherance of the interests of the museum for the purpose of acquainting the public with material or exhibitions in the museum, or in order that the educational advantages offered by the museum may be widely distributed.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5125. Section 5125.

The board may conduct or assist study, investigation, or research in any department established in the museum.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5126. Section 5126.

The board may conduct special or technical schools or institutes for instruction in any of the matters pertaining to or connected with the museum, may issue certificates evidencing completion of the instruction taken to the satisfaction of the board, and may charge fees necessary to defray the cost of instruction.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5127. Section 5127.

The board may cooperate with other governmental agencies, with universities, colleges, technical schools, societies, or individuals in the advancement of learning in the arts and sciences.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5128. Section 5128.

The board may publish documents pertaining to the work of the museum and may sell, exchange, or distribute them without charge.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5129. Section 5129.

The board may employ curators, attendants, or other persons necessary to conduct the museum and to carry out the powers granted by this article.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5130. Section 5130.

Any county in which a museum has been established and is being maintained under this article may become associated with other governmental agencies, associations, societies, or persons in any society, association, or conference the purpose of which is the promotion of museums and the objects advanced by museums, and its board of supervisors may send a representative to any meeting of any such society, association, or conference.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5131. Section 5131.

Under such limitations and restrictions as are prescribed by law, boards of supervisors may permit nonprofit incorporated historical societies to withdraw from the county records for exhibition purposes within the county any original document filed prior to January 1, 1876, when application for withdrawal is made in writing by an authorized agent of the society. A certified copy of the document shall be prepared at the applicant’s expense, and filed in place of the original.

Cal. Public Resources Code - PRC § 5132. Section 5132.

Under such limitations and restrictions as are prescribed by law, boards of supervisors may place in the custody and control of the county historical society, or its trustees or other directors, any records, landmarks, or other property, real or personal, of the county having only historical value. The trustees and directors shall at all times be appointed by the historical society with the consent and approval of the board of supervisors and shall not receive compensation from the county. The board of supervisors may prescribe reasonable conditions for the delivering of the property.

Source: CA Legislative Counsel Bulk DataURL: https://downloads.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/pubinfo_2025.zipFetched: 6/27/2026