Association of the Los Altos Historical Museum

Located in one of the last orchards in the "Valley of Heart's Delight" (as Silicon Valley was called when it led world agriculture, as we do today in technology), the Los Altos History Museum is a cultural oasis surrounded by lush gardens, just one block from historic downtown Los Altos, California.

San Jose Mercury columnist Steve Yvaska nailed it when he wrote "there never seems to be a dull moment at the Los Altos History Museum." Over 21,000 people a year find their way to this top-rated local history museum for its superior permanent exhibits, innovative programs, fun special events, curriculum-based school tours and a dynamic schedule of award-winning changing exhibits.

Opened in 1977 as a community museum, this family-friendly place is open FREE to the public Thursday through Sunday, noon to 4pm. Visitors enjoy orchardist's J. Gilbert Smith 1905 Craftsman house furnished in the time of the Great Depression, plus interactive outdoor agricultural exhibits including a restored tractor kids can climb on.

The state-of-the-art Museum houses changing exhibits on diverse topics, while upstairs the permanent exhibit "Crown of the Peninsula" details land use over time from the Puichon
Ohlone and Spanish, to orchard days, the railroad which launched Los Altos, and today.

Come see for yourself! It's worth the trip--add a short jaunt downtown for a snack, go next door to see what's playing at the theater, tromp over to the playgrounds or visit the county's first and still highly trafficked library--and you've got a full day of fun.

Our lovely grounds are a respite for those who wish to enjoy quiet time on a garden bench, or to begin their lives together at this favorite wedding site.

Visit our website at www.LosAltosHistory.org for details.

We hope to see you soon!