Theatrical Threads: Portraits by James Van Court (October 21, 2025 – May 3, 2026) features the work of Redwood City photographer James Van Court, who during the 1880s specialized in portrait photography using costumes for his Peninsula clientele.

In the late 19^th century, photographic studios often provided props and costumes to attract customers with the promise of a novelty souvenir. These “costume portraits” were part of the cabinet card boom, where people exchanged studio photographs much like we share selfies today. This exhibit in the museum’s first floor rotunda will showcase eight images from the San Mateo County Historical Association’s permanent collection to explore the thematic trends in creative portraiture.

Caption: Woman in a Coin Costume, James Van Court, c. 1880s