LOS ALTOS HISTORY MUSEUM AND J. GILBERT SMITH HOUSE

 
The Museum’s changing exhibits gallery features two to four original exhibits a year on diverse topics. Social issues and land development are covered in detail, as are the lives of local residents like local artist Annie Knapp Fitz and philanthropists Frank and Josephine Duveneck. We have also explored many impacts of the coming of the Southern Pacific Railroad, from the creation of a town and the rise of local businesses.
 
As part of its mission, the Los Altos History Museum presents educational programs associated with its exhibits, the Margaret Thompson Historical Essay Contest for 3rd-6th graders, third and fourth grade history curriculum tours, and the traveling Ohlone kit for schools. Research requests are handled by phone, email or appointment.
 
The Craftsman-style J. Gilbert Smith History House, adjacent to the Museum, is furnished like a typical valley farmhouse of the 1930s - from household items to children’s toys and decorative arts of the period. Outside areas include an exhibit of antique farm equipment, a 3-person outhouse, and a refurbished 1915 tank house.
 
The oak-studded gardens with their mature floral landscaping and bricked patio are the perfect venue for wedding ceremonies and receptions, luncheons, reunions or other social gatherings. Both the Museum and gardens are available for event rentals.
 
The Museum’s store offers many unique items for sale, including cards, toys, books, jewelry, unique gifts and one-of-a-kind items, often reflecting the current exhibit.
 
The Los Altos History Museum welcomes new members and volunteers! Benefits of a tax-deductible membership include free admission or discounts to the events, lectures and programs; a 10% discount at the Museum Store; a subscription to the quarterly newsletter; and advance notification of popular events like the Crab Feed and other activities.
 
The Los Altos History Museum is located at 51 So. San Antonio Road. Admission is free. Hours are noon to 4:00 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Docents are available during regular hours and special tours for groups of ten or more may be scheduled with advance notice. For more information on the Los Altos History Museum and J. Gilbert Smith House, its changing exhibits, special events, collection research, membership and its many volunteer opportunities, please check the website at www.losaltoshistory.org, telephone at 650/948-9427, or fax to 650/559-0268.
 
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
 
The Museum is operated in a partnership between the Association of the Los Altos Historical Museum [a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization] and the City of Los Altos.

In 1954, the newly-incorporated City purchased the J. Gilbert Smith property as a site for the Civic Center, with the Smiths retaining lifetime residency of the house and a surrounding acre. Upon Mrs. Smith’s death at age 96 in 1973, the house and remaining acre was given to the city to be used for historical purposes.
 
In 1974, the Los Altos City Council created a Historical Commission to plan the transformation of the Smith home into a museum to preserve the history of the Los Altos area. “History House” opened on December 1, 1977 (on the 25th anniversary of the City’s incorporation), was designated as a local Historical Landmark in 1981, and a California State Point of Historical Interest in 1987. Gilbert Smith’s apricot orchard (one of the few still intact in Los Altos) continues to thrive among the buildings on the Civic Center site. The new building opened in 2001, built entirely with private donations. In May 2002, ownership was transferred to the City of Los Altos. The Association manages and staffs the Museum, Smith House, and grounds, for community benefit.

Updated 11.09.2011