Completed Capital Campaign

Peninsula Innovators Changing the World

The exhibit chronicles innovators who made San Mateo County known around the world. Their work has brought about a wide range of technological, medical, managerial and financial innovations which has changed our daily lives.

A highlight to this exhibit is a digital timeline. It can be modified to incorporate new innovators as their ideas continue to redefine our world.

Three-dimensional displays include the Ampex story, the company that introduced audio and video tape to America, and a description of Paul Cook’s innovative Peninsula company, the Raychem Corporation, which pioneered the use of commercial radiation and heat-shrink plastics for applications as diverse as military and commercial aircraft to coatings developed to wrap the Alaska Pipeline in the mid-1970s.

Lathrop House & Redwood City History Gallery

Built in 1863 and first named “Lora Mundi” (most beautiful spot in the world), Lathrop House was home to San Mateo County’s first Clerk, Recorder and Assessor, Benjamin G. Lathrop and later San Mateo County Sheriff and Civil War hero, Joel Mansfield. Now more than 150 years old, this early example of “Steamboat Gothic” architecture showcases the tall gables and arches pierced by quatrefoil designs that were unique to high status homes in 19th century San Mateo County.

The house was recently moved to the San Mateo County History Museum block. The San Mateo County Historical Association will install a revolving history gallery within the home and increase its visiting hours

Sánchez Adobe Interpretive Center, Pacifica

The Sanchez Adobe Historic Site in Pacifica is unique in that it played a significant role during the three earliest eras of Californian history. The Site was made a county historic park in 1947.

An imaginative Sanchez Adobe Master Plan called for a new interpretive center with a state of the art exhibit. Additionally, the interpretive center includes a space to accommodate school and other groups for viewing films and discussing the history of the site.The addition of the Interpretive Center has allowed us to increase the number of students able to visit the site on field trips.

Land of Opportunity: The Immigrant Experience in San Mateo County

Land of Opportunity highlights the stories of the immigrants who have made their home in San Mateo County. The 2019 renovation of this permanent exhibit included new interactives and graphic panels that better interpret the immigrant experience. Additionally, the exhibit features clips of 23 oral history interviews conducted with immigrants and their families.

The migrant experience has many similarities to the immigrant experience. A new part of the exhibit highlights the migrant experience, especially the African American Great Migration of the 20th century.