We’re on the brink of something incredible, with just over $1 million remaining in our $23 million capital campaign. The momentum is building quickly, and with your support, we can turn these plans into reality.
Our upcoming expansions and renovations are crucial for advancing our mission to preserve history, inspire curiosity, and strengthen our community. These upgrades will enhance our ability to engage, educate, and welcome more visitors than ever before. Together, we can bring these transformative projects to life.
A Vision for Growth & Greater Impact
The museum is projected to attract 120,000 visitors annually. This growth will have a profound impact on underserved communities, particularly in the 30% of schools in our county where more than half of students qualify for free lunch programs. By focusing on these communities, we’re making sure that our educational and cultural offerings reach those who have historically had limited access.
Our Free First Friday initiative and open to public hours—Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM—further ensure that we are accessible to everyone, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Your contribution will help ensure that these initiatives continue to thrive and that our museum remains a vital, inclusive resource for all. Join us in inspiring wonder and creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Major Projects Remaining
As we approach the completion of our $23 million capital campaign, we are thrilled to announce that two major projects are the final pieces of our expansion: the Taube Family Carriage House and the Automobile Gallery and Natural History Gallery. These transformative additions are the last steps in a larger vision to preserve and celebrate the history of the San Francisco Peninsula, and your support will help bring them to life.
The San Mateo County History Museum is more than just a museum. It is a dynamic space for education, discovery, and community engagement. Through its thoughtfully curated exhibits and versatile event spaces, it will serve as a hub for learning about the Peninsula’s rich history and the innovations that shaped our modern world. Whether you’re exploring the evolution of transportation, connecting with the past, or attending an event, these remarkable additions will offer a wealth of experiences for all who visit.
San Mateo County History Museum
Taube Family Carriage House & Automobile Gallery:
Telling Untold Stories
The San Mateo County Historical Association invites you to embark on an exciting journey as we expand our horizons with the creation of the Taube Family Carriage House & Automobile Gallery—a stunning 15,000-square-foot, three-story marvel rising from what was once a parking lot. This architectural gem, nestled adjacent to the San Mateo County History Museum in downtown Redwood City, will serve as a beacon of heritage and culture, offering a rich, immersive look at the Peninsula’s history. With its striking design of glass walls and illuminated interiors, the Carriage House will captivate visitors and passersby, showcasing magnificent horse-drawn carriages and automobiles that once graced the roads of the region.
Three Floors of Wonder and Discovery:
A Journey Through History and Innovation
The Taube Family Carriage House & Automobile Gallery offers three floors providing captivating exhibits, immersive experiences and enhanced community, each designed to educate and inspire visitors through the evolution of transportation, the rich history of the San Francisco Peninsula, and personal experiences.
Ground Floor: A Journey Through Transportation History
The ground floor gallery will feature dynamic, changing exhibits that explore the fascinating world of automobiles and various modes of transportation. Visitors will embark on a journey through history, learning about the transformative impact of automobiles on society. In collaboration with collectors from across the Bay Area, the museum will showcase vehicles of local and national significance, highlighting both their historical importance and cultural relevance. One of the initial exhibits, 100 Years of Ford, will showcase the evolution from horse-drawn carriages to gasoline-powered vehicles, culminating in the modern automobiles we drive today.
First Floor: A Glimpse into the Golden Age of the Peninsula
As you ascend to the first floor, you’ll be transported back in time to an era when the Peninsula’s grand estates, owned by California’s leading families, defined the landscape. This floor will feature an exquisite collection of refined American carriages, offering a glimpse into the past when horse-drawn vehicles were essential to daily life. Engaging, hands-on exhibits will invite visitors to sit inside vintage carriages, feel the textures of the materials, and connect with the past. A special section will also honor the working-class men and women—coachmen, stable hands, horse trainers, saddle makers, servants, gardeners, and villagers—whose labor helped shape the Peninsula’s identity and the grandeur of its estates.
Second Floor: Rooftop Terrace
The second floor features the Rooftop Terrace, an elegant and versatile space perfect for hosting receptions, lectures, and a variety of public events. With breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Redwood City and the surrounding Peninsula, this event space can accommodate up to 300 guests, making it an ideal location for gatherings of all kinds. The Rooftop Terrace addresses the community’s need for a flexible venue, offering a welcoming environment for cultural, educational, and social events. It will undoubtedly become a cherished gathering spot on the San Francisco Peninsula, fostering connections and enriching the community.
17.4M
Funding Goal
2026
Projected Date
San Mateo County History Museum
Natural History Gallery:
Exploring the Region’s Ecological Legacy
The Natural History Gallery is the last major addition in our ongoing capital campaign, marking a significant milestone in the museum’s evolution. Originally planned for 1,900 square feet, the gallery has now expanded to 2,700 square feet to accommodate a broader range of exhibits and offer an even more comprehensive exploration of the Peninsula’s geological, biological, and paleontological history. This initiative represents our first major venture into the study of natural sciences since our relocation from the College of San Mateo in 1998, and it will be an essential resource for environmental education and scientific exploration in our community.
Unearthing the Past: Fossils, Mammoths, and More
Through the Natural History Gallery, we aim to provide visitors with rare and fascinating insights into the region’s prehistory. The gallery will feature a collection of rare fossils and skeletal remains, shedding light on the ancient life that once inhabited the Peninsula, including mammoths that roamed the area over 12,000 years ago during the Ice Age. These specimens will offer a unique glimpse into the distant past, deepening our understanding of the animals and ecosystems that shaped the region.
This exhibit will feature the rare Paleoparadoxia, a 10-million-year-old marine mammal discovered in Menlo Park during the construction of the Stanford Linear Accelerator in 1964. Studied by local paleontologist Adele Panofsky and her USGS colleague Charles A. Repenning, this unique specimen adds a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life. Don’t miss this extraordinary journey through history!
Image: Paleoparadoxia by Fred Sinclair, Jr.
A Vital Educational Resource for Our Community
This expansion of the museum is not just about displaying ancient fossils—it is about fostering awareness and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards. The creation of the Natural History Gallery fulfills a crucial need in our community by offering an engaging educational resource that fosters awareness about environmental conservation. It will serve as a dynamic learning space for the thousands of school children who visit the museum each year, providing hands-on, immersive experiences that bring the region’s natural history to life.
As part of our ongoing transformation, the museum enthusiastically embraces new narratives and fresh ways to engage with our visitors. The Natural History Gallery will be a cornerstone of this effort, offering not only a fascinating look at the Peninsula’s ancient past but also an essential platform for discussing the pressing environmental issues of our time.
1.2M
Funding Goal
2026
Projected Date
Historic Site
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.
50K
Funding Goal Reached!
2026
Projected
SMCHA Capital Campaign
Explore Our Completed Projects
See how your contributions to the capital campaign have shaped the San Mateo County Historical Museum and played a vital role in bringing our expansion to life.
