One of the original jobs undertaken by the San Mateo County Historical Association (SMCHA) was gathering colorful information on the county’s past. Today, the information collected for over 75 years is available to researchers.
SMCHA Collections
The San Mateo County Historical Association’s collection tells the story of San Mateo County’s development over time.
Through the rich holdings of its Three-Dimensional and Archival Collections, SMCHA is preserving San Mateo County’s cultural heritage and increasing knowledge and inspiration among present and future generations of visitors through exhibitions, research and interpretive programs.
Three-Dimensional Collection
The SMCHA’s Three-Dimensional Collection includes objects which are associated with the early exploration and settlements of the Peninsula, the development of towns, early industries, transportation systems and people who contributed to shaping San Mateo County. The three-dimensional collection ranges from prehistoric times until today and includes Indian artifacts, textiles, architectural items, household goods, bottles, tools, industrial goods, fine art, weapons, furnishings and transportation objects. The collection also includes artifacts and materials excavated from archaeological sites in the County including prehistoric material and artifacts related to the settlement of the area.
The Archives
The Archival Collection ranges from 1830 to the present and includes books, clippings, documents, films, fine art, ledgers, letters, manuscripts, memorabilia, microfilm, newspapers, pamphlets, periodicals, transcripts, posters, records, scrapbooks, slides and students monographs. The materials are available for research in the Archives.
Online Collection
727
Archives
2073
Photos
3647
Objects
The SMCHA is working to make its collection available for online research. Check back soon as the collection online is updated frequently.
La Peninsula
In 1941, Dr. Frank Stanger started La Peninsula as a way to preserve the colorful stories of the county’s past. A scholarly journal, La Peninsula is produced twice a year and sent to all the members of the San Mateo County Historical Association.
Over the years, the SMCHA has published several books ranging from the county history South from San Francisco to a history of the Carolands mansion. The SMCHA has also produced films on the county’s history including Made in America: San Mateo County’s Journey from Dairies to DNA.
