San Mateo County History Museum

San Mateo County History Museum Featuring interactive experiences, explore the county’s rich and colorful history. The beautifully restored space is also available to rent for special events.

The San Mateo County History Museum, housed in the old County Courthouse, offers visitors an opportunity to discover the San Francisco Peninsula's colorful past from the original Native American inhabitants of yesterday to the Silicon Valley innovators of today. The 1910 building, on the National Register of Historic Places, features one of the largest stained glass domes in California, an extensi

ve archives library, a thematic gift shop and a huge used bookstore. The San Mateo County History Museum is part of the San Mateo County Historical Association, a member-supported nonprofit organization. In addition to the museum in Redwood City, the Historical Association operates the Woodside Store in Woodside and the Sanchez Adobe in Pacifica.

05/29/2026

Full skirts. Hot pants. Absolutely ❌ zero ironing required.

Polyester on Parade is this Saturday, May 30 at 1 p.m.

Come see the clothes, hear the stories, and spend an afternoon with some seriously good style. Free for museum members. Part of the Courthouse Docket series, sponsored by Cypress Lawn Heritage Foundation.

Free with Museum admission.

🏆This year's Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame ceremony features a special tribute to Coach Tom Martinez, a mentor who has s...
05/28/2026

🏆This year's Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame ceremony features a special tribute to Coach Tom Martinez, a mentor who has shaped teen athletes for over 50 years.

Come celebrate a true Peninsula legend on June 25.

📍 San Mateo History Museum | 2200 Broadway, Redwood City
📅 Thursday, June 25 |. 5:30pm
🎟️ Tickets $30 for members, $40 guests

Learn more or get tickets at https://historysmc.org/event/peninsula-sports-hall-of-fame-ceremony/

From miracle fabric to fashion icon. Polyester on Parade is this Saturday, May 30 at 1 p.m. The Museum Auxiliary models ...
05/27/2026

From miracle fabric to fashion icon.

Polyester on Parade is this Saturday, May 30 at 1 p.m.

The Museum Auxiliary models 30 years of style from the Millie Collection, with commentary rooted in local history.

Free for museum members. Part of the Courthouse Docket series.

On Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave everything in service to our country. Their sacrific...
05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave everything in service to our country. Their sacrifice lives on in our communities, in our stories, and in the history we are entrusted to preserve.

Sixty-eight days without ironing. That was the promise of polyester in 1951, and women everywhere were sold.Join us Satu...
05/22/2026

Sixty-eight days without ironing. That was the promise of polyester in 1951, and women everywhere were sold.

Join us Saturday, May 30 at 1 p.m. for Polyester on Parade, part of the History Museum's Courthouse Docket series.

The Museum Auxiliary will showcase decades of fashion from the Millie Collection, with volunteers modeling looks from the 1950s through the 1980s.

Free for museum members. Included with admission.

05/20/2026

The History Museum has clothing dating from the 1840s up through the early 2000s.

You can see our extensive Victorian collection during Victorian Days when we hold Victorian teas and fashion shows.

On May 30th, the Polyester on Parade fashion show will display clothing from the 1950s through the 1980s. (No bustles needed when wearing orange hot pants!)

The San Mateo County History Museum has an extensive collection of clothing items, including Victorian wedding dresses a...
05/18/2026

The San Mateo County History Museum has an extensive collection of clothing items, including Victorian wedding dresses and hats from the Victorian period through the 1960s.

If you have fascinating fashion items, the History Museum is always accepting donations.

Upcoming fashion shows include Polyester on Parade on May 30th, where fashions from the 1950s through the 1980s will be displayed and discussed. The Museum's Victorian collection can be seen in its full splendor during Victorian Days later this summer.

05/15/2026

From miracle fabric to fashion icon. 👗 Polyester on Parade is Saturday, May 30 at 1 p.m.

The Museum Auxiliary models 30 years of style from the Millie Collection, with commentary rooted in local history.

Free for museum members. Included with admission.

Part of the Courthouse Docket series, sponsored by Cypress Lawn Heritage Foundation.

The FIFA World Cup is coming to the Bay Area this summer and we're getting into the spirit early! 🌍⚽On June 5, the San M...
05/14/2026

The FIFA World Cup is coming to the Bay Area this summer and we're getting into the spirit early! 🌍⚽

On June 5, the San Mateo County History Museum is FREE all day for First Friday, with a soccer-themed program just for preschoolers at 11 AM. They'll hear the story Goal! My Favorite Soccer Game and make adorable craft-stick soccer players to take home.

Adults, there's something for you too –– free docent-led tours at 2 PM.

📍 Old Courthouse, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City
🕙 10 AM – 4 PM, Friday June 5

Learn more at historysmc.org

Sponsored by Monterra Credit Union.

05/13/2026

The San Mateo County History Museum has an extensive collection of clothing items, including Victorian wedding dresses and hats from the Victoiran period through the 1960s.

If you have fascinating fashion items, the History Museum is always accepting donations.

Address

2200 Broadway Street
Redwood City, CA
94063

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
7pm - 9pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+16502990104

Website

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