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Organization
Los Altos History Museum
Built entirely with private donations, the Los Altos History Museum resides in an impressive three-level, 8,200 square-foot building. It opened in spring of 2001, and its ownership was transferred to the City of Los Altos in 2002. The Museum features a changing exhibits gallery as well as the permanent exhibit Crown of the Peninsula, that describes the rich history of Los Altos.
There’s more history just across the lushly landscaped courtyard in the landmark J. Gilbert Smith House. Built in 1905, it is nestled under majestic heritage oaks and has been meticulously refurbished to replicate a farmhouse of the 1930’s. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the gardens and picnic tables even when the House and Museum are closed.
The Museum provides educational opportunities for children and adults to learn about the community via interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Other programs include tours and curriculum for local elementary school children, oral history collections, the traveling Ohlone kit and more.
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Contact Info
Los Altos History Museum
51 S. San Antonio Road
Los Altos, CA 94022Phone: 650-948-9427
Fax: 650-559-0268
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Video & Image Gallery
Video | Images
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Current Events
10/09/09-
01/15/10Artists in Residence
Los Altos History Museum10/01/09-
01/17/10It's a Small World... An Exhibit of Scaled Miniatures
Los Altos History Museum -
Upcoming Events
11/22/09 Miniature Crafting Workshops
Los Altos History Museum12/12/09 The World’s Smallest Post Office
Los Altos History Museum01/03/10 Tiny Book Story Time
Los Altos History Museum -
Member Reviews
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Event Name: It's a Small World... An Exhibit of Scaled Miniatures
"great exhibit"
Review posted by: Karen from Los Altos, CA, Oct 30, 2009
We took our 2 sons (age 4 and 11) to see the show, they loved it. Staff was very friendly--great place for families. Fun experience for the boys, as most of their toys are the same size as the... Expand
We took our 2 sons (age 4 and 11) to see the show, they loved it. Staff was very friendly--great place for families. Fun experience for the boys, as most of their toys are the same size as the minis on display, their attention was actually captured! Looking forward to taking our family at Thanksgiving to see again. Thanks! Collapse
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Event Name: Lucile and David Packard: Valued Partners
"Passionate and Compelling Exhibit"
Review posted by: Michael Christopher from san jose, CA, Apr 09, 2008
The Museum is known for excellent community minded exhibits, and Valued Partners is no exception. The exhibit is dynamic, and includes a relevant and witty mini-theater, biographical panels on the... Expand
The Museum is known for excellent community minded exhibits, and Valued Partners is no exception. The exhibit is dynamic, and includes a relevant and witty mini-theater, biographical panels on the life and work of the couple, well-thought children's activity areas (great hands-on activities), and several compelling programs planned throughout the duration of the exhibits. Hats off to the History Museum, they're doing great work there. Collapse
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Event Name: 7th Annual Home & Garden Tour
"Beautiful, fun, supports a good cause"
Review posted by: Megan from Los Altos, Apr 09, 2008
My brother and I have taken my mom on the tour for the last four years. We usually stop for lunch in downtown Los Altos in the afternoon. We like supporting our local history museum, and we have a... Expand
My brother and I have taken my mom on the tour for the last four years. We usually stop for lunch in downtown Los Altos in the afternoon. We like supporting our local history museum, and we have a great time. We even joined the museum last year, which saved us money on the tickets! Collapse
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Event Name: Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream Train
"family friendly"
Review posted by: Susan B. from Los Altos, CA, Dec 05, 2006
Everything is kid-height and kid-friendly. Our 4 boys were able to get within inches of the trains, watching them zoom by. The Museum volunteers were friendly and even shared some trivia with our... Expand
Everything is kid-height and kid-friendly. Our 4 boys were able to get within inches of the trains, watching them zoom by. The Museum volunteers were friendly and even shared some trivia with our oldest son--it was a nice, free, family event Collapse
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Event Name: Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream Train
"great for winter"
Review posted by: James from Los Alots, CA, Nov 24, 2006
we were enchanted by the trains and animated buildings. there is a Route 66 layout that is magical.
we were enchanted by the trains and animated buildings. there is a Route 66 layout that is magical.
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Event Name: Los Altos Impressions - Juried Art Show
"Beautiful wedding"
Review posted by: Bill T. from Los Altos Hills, Oct 02, 2006
Our younger daughter was married here, my daugher and wife worked with the museum's events specialist and the happy couple had their ideal day. The museum is an important part of our family history... Expand
Our younger daughter was married here, my daugher and wife worked with the museum's events specialist and the happy couple had their ideal day. The museum is an important part of our family history now. Collapse
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Event Name: Los Altos Impressions - Juried Art Show
"great reception"
Review posted by: Anonymous from san jose, ca, Sep 05, 2006
our first time at an LAHM event and it was wonderful. delicious food, beautiful and thoughtful art, easy parking, and even met some of the artists. great job LAHM!
our first time at an LAHM event and it was wonderful. delicious food, beautiful and thoughtful art, easy parking, and even met some of the artists. great job LAHM!
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Event Name: Los Altos Impressions - Juried Art Show
"summer of art in Los Altos"
Review posted by: Sally Fishman from Los Altos Hills, CA, Sep 05, 2006
It seems that Los Altos is experiencing a summer of fantastic fine art shows, but this particular exhibit, Los Altos Impressions Juried Art Show, is especially energetic and fresh. There are a variety... Expand
It seems that Los Altos is experiencing a summer of fantastic fine art shows, but this particular exhibit, Los Altos Impressions Juried Art Show, is especially energetic and fresh. There are a variety of mediums represented, which reflects the apparent interests and talents of the community. The winning pieces are noted, adding a layer of interest and discussion to the show. There are several landscape works that are especially well executed. The Museum also offers beautiful grounds and welcoming volunteer greeters. I was surprised that one local venue offered so much, including picnic grounds, a separate history house and even a really cute store--decorated and ready for Halloween. I was wildly impressed! 2 thumbs up! Collapse
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