Morgan Hill Historical Society

06/03/2026

Check out our spring newsletter for an update about the Society: https://conta.cc/4sfsCpV

05/24/2026

Check out local historian and MHHS friend Bill Brigg’s upcoming book launch hosted by the Gilroy Historical Society.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1416697007166591&id=100064789144247&mibextid=wwXIfr

Join us at Gilroy Library on Sunday, June 7th at 2:00 pm when author William Briggs presents his latest book, Kings, Queens, Sailors, Spies! The story explores the voyage of Francis Drake along the Pacific Coast.

05/10/2026

To all you local history lovers - SAVE THE DATE!

Our amazing film team is busy working on what is expected to be one of their finest projects. ‘Streets of Freedom’ will share the history of our beloved Freedom Fest Parade and will be shown on July 3rd at the Community Playhouse.

05/08/2026

Check out our new banner the next time you drive by Villa Mira Monte and stop by on a Saturday to learn the history of our amazing town.

05/06/2026

Do you know what downtown Morgan Hill looked like in 1908? (Didn’t think so 😊)

Check out this cool old map and note what buildings and street names have changed and which remain the same.

Hint on orientation: the bank on the northeast corner of Monterey and Hatzfeld (current 2nd street) is the Votaw building.

I attached a photo from approximately the same time period.

05/03/2026

A good time was had by all at yesterday's Living History Day at Villa Mira Monte! It was a wonderful collaboration between the Society and Leadership Morgan Hill. Thanks to all the volunteers who made it possible!

04/28/2026

LIVING HISTORY DAY – EXCITING UPDATE!
In addition to all our wonderful activities, we're thrilled to announce a very special addition to the day! Snowball, Phoebe, and Jett from the Alma Bonita Animal Rescue will be on hand for photo opportunities and autograph signings. You won't want to miss these adorable VIPs!

04/16/2026

'Framed in History'

The Morgan Hill Historical Society was honored to present the inaugural 'Framed in History' historic photograph to Ross Kelly (pictured center), owner of Kelly Brewing Company. Kelly Brewing Company sits on the site of Morgan Hill's first grammar school, established in 1894.

'Framed in History' is a new MHHS program designed to connect local property owners and businesses with the rich architectural heritage and cultural landmarks of our community. Through this initiative, the Historical Society presents owners of historically significant buildings and landmarks with a framed historic photograph of their property as it appeared in its early years.

Also in the photo are MHHS Board members, John Kelley, Tere Johnson, Roger Knopf and Greg Claytor. Former Board member Kathy Sullivan and her husband Brian were also on hand for the presentation.

04/15/2026

Got Trivia?

If you like fun, interesting trivia games, you won't want to miss "Tea House Trivia" at our upcoming Living History Day on May 2nd.

Our planning team has been busy putting together fun questions that will test your knowledge about Morgan Hill's history and former Mayor Steve Tate will be our trivia host.

Form your teams now and sign up by scanning either QR code below.

04/12/2026

Did You Know?

Long-time local historian and former president of the Morgan Hill Historical Society, Bill Briggs, has recently completed his 5th book - Kings, Queens, Sailors, Spies.

His latest work explores the clandestine voyage of English privateer Francis Drake along the Pacific Coast, aided by Portuguese pilot Nuñez da Moreira. The narrative follows Moreira after he is left on the California coast and sent on a dangerous secret mission — one he survives, only to be captured by the Spanish Inquisition. Under torture, he reveals secrets about Drake's journey, including the portrayal of California as an island — a fiction the Spanish government deliberately perpetuated for two centuries to limit English territorial claims in North America.

The Society will host a book launch and presentation by Bill later this year. In the meantime, you can order a copy of Bill's book at https://mybooksmart.indielite.org/