McConaghy House: A Victorian Farmhouse Museum
Discover Hayward's history at the McConaghy House, a preserved Victorian farmhouse offering a glimpse into 19th-century family life.
The McConaghy House, located on Hesperian Boulevard in Hayward, is a captivating journey into the past. Built in 1888 by Neal and Sarah McConaghy, the 12-room Victorian farmhouse showcases the beauty and elegance of a bygone era. Neal McConaghy, an Irish immigrant, made his fortune through farming and a successful gristmill. The house was home to the McConaghy family for over 80 years, until the death of their youngest son, John, at the age of 100 in 1972. The house was nearly demolished to make way for a retail development, but local residents rallied to save it. The Hayward Area Recreation Department purchased the property in 1973, and the Hayward Area Historical Society took on the task of restoration and preservation. The house opened as a museum in 1976. Today, visitors can explore the meticulously restored rooms, complete with period-appropriate furnishings and exhibits. The McConaghy House provides a unique opportunity to experience the life of a farming family in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The surrounding grounds feature a gazebo, carriage house, and water tower, adding to the charm of this historical landmark.
Local tips
- Check the Hayward Area Historical Society website for the most up-to-date information on hours and special events.
- The house is not wheelchair accessible, but there is free parking available.
- Photography is not allowed inside the house.
A brief summary to McConaghy House
- 18701 Hesperian Blvd, Hayward, California, 94541, US
- +1510-581-0223
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Hayward BART station, take AC Transit bus line 85 towards Hesperian Boulevard. Get off at the Hesperian Blvd and West A Street stop. Cross Hesperian Boulevard and walk two blocks south. The McConaghy House will be on your right. AC Transit fares vary, but a single adult fare is typically around $2.50.
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Driving
From Interstate 880, exit at Lewelling Boulevard/San Lorenzo. Continue on Embers and turn right onto Hesperian Boulevard in Hayward. The McConaghy House is located at 18701 Hesperian Boulevard. Free parking is available adjacent to the house and along Hesperian Boulevard.
