Photo courtesy of Benicia Historical Museum

Pictured: On April 9th, 1956 the "new" library (since replaced) opened its doors at 144 G Street in Benicia with 7,000 volumes. The dedication ceremony (pictured) took place on June 2nd, 1956. This photo shows the outdoor ceremony with attendees standing and seated in chairs in front of the library. The "old" library was located in the old Capitol building from 1910 to 1955 when the building was declared unsafe.The library vacated and moved to 813 First Street temporarily. Benicia never did have a Carnegie Library because it was one of the few towns in the country to refuse a Carnegie grant.

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Richard Dunphy

Richard Downey Dunphy (1841-1904) was a native of Kilkenny, Ireland. He was a coal heaver aboard the USS Hartford at the Battle of Mobile Bay on 5 August 1864. Both of his arms were amputated as a result of gunshot wounds suffered during the battle. He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his courage. After the Civil War he worked at Mare Island Navy Yard. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

What We Do

Record & preserve family histories
Provide instruction for conducting genealogical research.
Assist members and the public with research questions.
Conduct drop-in library hours and other times by appointment.
Participate in community events to inform and assist the public.