Exhibits

Courtroom A

Exhibit Details

Courtroom: 1910 – 1998
Renovations: 2004

Related Materials

A Higher Calling: A Review of the Judges & Lawyers Who Shaped the San Mateo County Courts

Rentals

Photo by Jerry Pierce.

Hold your next reception under Courtroom A’s stained glass ceiling.

Find Out More

Hold your own mock trial in San Mateo County’s oldest existing courtroom.

When Courtroom A opened in 1910, it was the only Superior Court in San Mateo County. A variety of cases were heard here, from inheritance and insurance cases to traffic court. While trials have not occurred here since 1998, it is occasionally used for ceremonial court events such as the swearing in of new judges.

Courtroom A served as an active courtroom for nearly 90 years.

Restoration of Courtroom A

Courtroom A has been restored to an earlier appearance. View the restored stained glass dome and furnishings.

Courthouse Docket

Courtroom A is home to a monthly series of lectures, presentations and reenactments that explore different aspects of local history.

Find Out More

Judge’s Bench

Named in honor of Sandra Day O’Connor who worked in the San Mateo County District Attorney’s office after graduating from Stanford Law School.

Courtroom A’s First Judge

After moving to California, George Buck organized a law practice with an impressive clientele. He served as San Mateo County’s district attorney for eight years. As the sole superior court judge for 42 years (1890-1932), he heard an estimated 20,000 cases. One of the founders of the San Mateo County Bar Association, Buck was elected its first president in 1916.

Superior Court Judge, George Buck. Painting by Ian Bain.

Explore More at the History Museum