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Forest Home Farms Historic Park: A Step Back in Time

Discover the agricultural heritage of the San Ramon Valley at Forest Home Farms Historic Park, featuring historic homes, farm equipment, and engaging educational programs for all ages.

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Forest Home Farms Historic Park in San Ramon offers a captivating glimpse into the agricultural history of the San Ramon Valley. This 16-acre park, donated by Ruth Quayle Boone in memory of her husband Travis Moore Boone, features the Boone House, a 22-room Dutch Colonial, and the Glass House Museum, an Italianate Victorian home showcasing life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Explore farm equipment displays, a tractor museum, and beautifully maintained grounds. With educational programs and weekend activities, it's an engaging destination for all ages to experience the region's rich heritage and the contributions of women in agriculture. The park is open Tuesday through Saturday, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the past.

A brief summary to Forest Home Farms Historic Park

Local tips

  • Check the San Ramon Historic Foundation website for special events like Sheep Shearing Day, offering unique hands-on experiences.
  • Download the Otocast app for a self-guided tour of the farm, providing historical context and insights as you explore.
  • Visit the Gift Shoppe on Saturdays for old-fashioned toys and gifts, offering a nostalgic reminder of farm life.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Forest Home Farms Historic Park is located at 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd. From I-680, exit at Bollinger Canyon Road and head west. Turn south onto San Ramon Valley Blvd. The park entrance will be on your left. Parking is free in the dirt lot adjacent to the park entrance. Note that parking can be limited during special events.

  • Public Transport

    The County Connection bus serves the San Ramon area. Check the County Connection website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the nearest bus stop on San Ramon Valley Blvd, walk a short distance to the park entrance. A single ride on County Connection costs approximately $2.25.

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Discover more about Forest Home Farms Historic Park

Forest Home Farms Historic Park, nestled in the Dougherty Valley of San Ramon, California, is a captivating journey into the region's agricultural past. This 16-acre park, a gift from Ruth Quayle Boone, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of farming in the San Ramon Valley. In 1997, Ruth bequeathed the land and all buildings on it to the City of San Ramon for use as a park and historical site in memory of her husband, Travis Moore Boone. After Ruth Boone's death in 1998 at the age of 94, the City expanded the memorial to include Ruth, in honor of her generosity to the people of San Ramon and in recognition of the contribution women made to agriculture in the San Ramon Valley. The park's grounds are divided by Oak Creek, with the northern section housing the majority of the historic structures. These include the Boone House, a sprawling 22-room Dutch Colonial home that has been remodeled over the years, and fourteen outbuildings that vary significantly in date of construction and size, including a barn originally built in the period from 1850 to 1860, a 7,000-square-foot farm equipment and automobile storage structure and a three-building walnut processing plant that includes a three-story hulling and drying structure. The southern portion of the property is home to the Glass House Museum, a Victorian Italianate style home and its tank house built in 1877. The Boone House, now serving as office and meeting space, offers a glimpse into early 20th-century domestic life. The Glass House Museum, relocated to the park, showcases late 19th and early 20th-century living through meticulously preserved rooms and exhibits. Visitors can explore the main house and the adjoining tank house, gaining insights into the daily lives of the Glass family and the evolution of residential architecture in the valley. Beyond the historic homes, Forest Home Farms boasts a collection of farm equipment and a tractor museum, providing a hands-on experience with the tools and technology that shaped the region's agricultural industry. The park's grounds are beautifully maintained, offering a tranquil setting for a self-guided tour. Pamphlets are available at the parking lot entrance, guiding visitors through the various points of interest. Forest Home Farms is not just a static display of the past; it's a living, breathing center for education and community engagement. The park runs award-winning educational programs, such as the Farm Life Education and Victorian Life Education programs, designed to meet third-grade curriculum standards but adaptable for grades two through five. These programs offer interactive experiences that bring history to life for young learners. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including "Fun on the Farm" Saturdays, which feature free crafts and activities highlighting farm life and the late Victorian era. These events, a partnership between the City of San Ramon and the San Ramon Historic Foundation, provide opportunities for visitors of all ages to step back in time and enjoy the simple pleasures of life on the farm. Special events hosted by the San Ramon Historic Foundation are fee-based fund-raising programs that require registration and will be indicated as such. In June 2002, Forest Home Farms was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and the California Register of Historical Resources, solidifying its importance as a cultural and historical landmark. This designation provides a degree of protection from adverse effects, with state oversight for any modifications to insure consistency with historical preservation. Visiting Forest Home Farms is more than just a day trip; it's an immersive experience that connects visitors to the rich agricultural heritage of the San Ramon Valley. Whether you're exploring the historic homes, marveling at the farm equipment, or participating in an educational program, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for the people and places that shaped this vibrant community. The park is open Tuesday through Saturday, offering a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the charm of rural life. With its blend of history, education, and community engagement, Forest Home Farms Historic Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history and heritage of the San Ramon Valley. Ongoing maintenance seeks to preserve the local history, and various projects have been identified to enhance the longevity of the existing structures. The San Ramon Historic Foundation is actively involved in these efforts, working to ensure that Forest Home Farms remains a vibrant and engaging destination for generations to come. So, step away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and immerse yourself in the tranquility and charm of Forest Home Farms Historic Park. Discover the stories of the families who lived and worked on this land, and gain a new appreciation for the agricultural heritage of the San Ramon Valley. It's an experience that will stay with you long after you've left the farm.

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