• San Mateo County History Museum

    The History Museum is an innovative regional history center. 

  • Exhibits

    The interactive exhibits depict the history of the Peninsula from the original Native American inhabitants to today. 

  • School Programs

    History comes alive during school programs at the History Museum. The thematic programs feature hands-on experiences.

  • 'Perfect Family Outing'

     

    '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 Magazine, The Best of the Bay Area: The Obsession Edition

  • Public Programs

    During the History Museum's Family Programs, discover the past through crafts, activities and demonstrations.

  • Old County Courthouse

    The History Museum is located inside the 1910 County Courthouse. On the National Register of Historic Places, the courthouse features a stained glass dome and mosaic tile floor. Architect Glenn Allen designed the building to look as impressive as City Hall in San Francisco.

  • 'Best County Museum in California'

    'In terms of topical approach, design, content, and overall execution within a restored historic building, it is the best county museum in California!'
    John Hodges, Past-President, California Heritage Council

San Mateo County History Museum

The History Museum is an innovative regional history center. Featuring interactive experiences, the long-term exhibits are the place where you can explore the county's rich and colorful history.

History

Explore the story of the San Mateo County History Museum and the 1910 County Courthouse in which it is located.
 

Exhibits

Exhibits at the San Mateo County History Museum depict the history of the Peninsula.  It helps place local history in context by showing how the story here has influenced the outside world, and how the outside world has influenced it.

Photo by Audrey Luke.

Public Programs

During the History Museum's Family Programs, discover the past through crafts, activities and demonstrations.  The Adult Programs include presentations about local history and hands-on workshops.