San Mateo County History Museum: A Journey Through Time

The San Mateo County History Museum, located in the heart of Redwood City, offers a captivating exploration of the region's rich heritage. Situated in the beautifully restored 1910 County Courthouse, a landmark in itself, the museum showcases the diverse stories that have shaped San Mateo County from its earliest inhabitants to the present day. Inside, visitors can explore a variety of exhibits that delve into different eras and aspects of the county's past. Learn about the Ohlone Indians, the Spanish explorers, the Rancho era, and the impact of logging, agriculture, and dairy farming. Discover the stories of early entrepreneurs and the rise of Silicon Valley. A popular exhibit explores the history of Maverick's, the famous big wave surf spot on the San Mateo coast. The museum also features the largest stained-glass dome in a public building on the West Coast. The San Mateo County Historical Association (SMCHA) operates the museum and also manages the Woodside Store and the Sánchez Adobe Park. The SMCHA also provides access to its archives through a research library at the History Museum.