https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiGh-IthFSU

Visit!

Discover More

History at Home!

Is COVID-19 keeping you at home? We invite you to explore San Mateo County history from the comforts of home.

Discover More

SMCHA Capital Campaign

The Taube Family Carriage House

Learn about the exciting plans for the future Taube Family Carriage House.

Discover more!

San Mateo County History Museum

The history of the Peninsula from the original native people to today’s inhabitants.

Discover the San Mateo County History Museum
View Exhibits

Historic Site

Sánchez Adobe

Discover what life was like during California’s first three historic periods.

Discover the Sanchez Adobe

Photo by Joe Messina

Historic Site

Woodside Store

Discover the rich history of the San Francisco Peninsula’s original country store.

Discover the Woodside Store

Featured Exhibits

View All Exhibits
  • Group photo of Gladys Norton Daycare on Humboldt Street in the 1950s

    San Mateo County’s African American History

  • Detail of mural from Land of Opportunity exhibit at the San Mateo County History Museum

    Land of Opportunity

  • A display of a El Dorado and vintage auto memorabilia at the Journey to Work exhibit at the San Mateo County History Museum

    Journey to Work

Upcoming Events

View Calendar

What our visitors are saying about us

“Finally, a history lesson the whole family will enjoy...you'll find enough interactive kiosks, video cameras, microphones, and learning-lab gadgets to keep a generation raised on video games alert and engrossed.”

San Francisco MagazineThe Best of the Bay Area: The Obsession Edition

“In terms of topical approach, design, content, and overall execution within a restored historic building, it is the best county museum in California!”

John HodgesPast-President, California Heritage Council

“Voted #1 Things To Do in Redwood City”

Trip Advisor

“A stunning building... a landmark of the city's resurrection as a thriving, cool downtown that people gravitate to.”

@rnginpa

“Wonderful local museum with a balance of informative and interactive exhibits. A great place to go for a sense of San Mateo history.”

Shannon M

“Truly a fabulous museum and walk through memory lane.”

Sylvia A

“This is one of the best history museums in the Bay Area… the exhibits are always new and interesting.”

Barbara B

“It is fabulous. Full of great exhibitions and in a historical building to boot.”

Rick E

Support History

There has never been a more exciting time to be a member of the SMCHA.

Become a Member Today

Stay Up to Date

Get more history in your inbox.

Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrintFriendly