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The Museum of American Heritage: A Tribute to Innovation

Explore American innovation at the Museum of American Heritage in Palo Alto, featuring vintage technology and artifacts from 1750-1950.

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The Museum of American Heritage in Palo Alto showcases American technological innovation from 1750-1950. Exhibits include a 1920s general store, a print shop, and early automotive technology. The museum is housed in the historic Williams House, built in 1907.

A brief summary to The Museum of American Heritage

  • Friday 11 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 11 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 11 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekends to explore the historic gardens, featuring irises and wisteria in the spring.
  • Check the museum's website for information on temporary exhibits and special events.
  • Street parking is available on Homer Avenue, but it can be limited.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From downtown Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Caltrain station, the Museum of American Heritage is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head south on University Avenue, then turn right onto Waverley Street. Turn right onto Homer Avenue. The museum will be on your right. Free street parking is available, but limited.

  • Public Transport

    The Museum of American Heritage is accessible via several SamTrans bus routes. Check the SamTrans website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the Palo Alto Transit Center, transfer to a local bus. Standard fares for SamTrans are $2.25.

  • Driving

    From Highway 101, take the University Avenue exit towards Palo Alto. Turn left onto Middlefield Road, then right onto Homer Avenue. The museum will be a few blocks up on the right. From Highway 280, take the Alpine Road exit heading southeast and follow the signs for Palo Alto. Continue onto Santa Cruz Avenue, then turn right onto Sand Hill Road, right onto Arboretum Road, and left onto Palm Drive. Continue onto University Avenue, turn right on Waverley Road, then right on Homer Avenue. Street parking is available on Homer Avenue. Parking at the Palo Alto Station is about $5.50.

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Discover more about The Museum of American Heritage

The Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) is dedicated to preserving and displaying the evolution of American technology and inventions from 1750 to 1950. Located in the historic Williams House in Palo Alto, the museum offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the ingenuity and innovation that shaped American life. The museum's exhibits feature a range of artifacts, including an early 20th-century kitchen, a 1920s general store, a functioning print shop, and an early automobile garage with a 1915 Model T Ford. These displays provide a visual exploration of technology's societal influence. MOAH also hosts temporary exhibits, ensuring a fresh experience for returning visitors. The Williams House, designed in the Tudor Revival style by Ernest Coxhead, adds to the museum's charm. Built in 1907 for Dr. Thomas Williams, the house retains many of its original features, including the doctor's medical wing. The museum also features a historic garden, offering a peaceful retreat surrounded by century-old redwoods. MOAH is a family-friendly learning environment that encourages visitors to explore scientific and technological history.

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