Los Altos History Museum
I have visited the Los Altos Library a number of times but never the History Museum located behind the library. This time I went into the museum. Upon entering, I was met by a museum volunteer ready to explain about the museum.
The upper level has a permanent exhibit that depicts how Los Altos has changed over time from the early days of vast orchards. One cool exhibit for the kids (like me) is a replica of downtown Los Altos in 1932 that features a model railroad and buildings of that era. There is a brochure available next to the exhibit that identifies the buildings within the train diorama.
Between the museum and the library is the J. Gilbert Smith History House Museum located on one of the last active apricot orchards in the Santa Clara Valley. The house, built in 1905, once belonging to orchard grower J. Gilbert Smith has been refurbished to replicate a farmhouse of the 1930’s. Tour of the house requires a docent guide.
Surrounding the house are outdoor exhibits, including a one acre apricot orchard, antique farm equipment, and a tank house. There are also picnic tables and many benches shaded by oak trees.
The admission free History Museum and History House Museum at 51 South San Antonio Road is open Thursday through Sunday noon to 4:00pm. There is daily access to the gardens, outdoor exhibits, and picnic tables.
The History Museum’s ground level includes a museum store (ask about the free audio tour) and a changing exhibit gallery.
Currently through May 27, 2007, “Scene from Above: Maps & Aerial Photos of Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.”
Then from June 7 to December 30, 2007, “Los Altos Collects! What do people collect, and why?”
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Your ‘history’ series rolls on…interesting stuff.