Welcome
The mission of the museum is to preserve Southern Alameda County (Fremont, Newark and Union City) memories, documents, artifacts, and structures from the past and share them with present and future generations.
The Museum and California native garden is open weekly on Wednesdays & Fridays, and monthly on the 2nd Saturday & Sunday, as well as the 4th Sunday. All hours are 10 am – 4 pm
More information
The Fremont Podcast
Oh hey, we did a podcast! Thanks for interviewing us, Andrew Cavette!
Plan Your Visit
At the museum you have the option of a docent-led or a self-guided tour. The museum also provides field trip opportunities for 3rd and 4th grade students studying state and local history.
WTMLH in the Tri-City Voice
Did you see our museum featured in the Tri-City Voice? Thank you to the TCV for telling a piece of our story!
Union City History Museum
We are currently working with the City of Union City to rehabilitate the building at 3841 Smith Street and reopen a museum and research facility there. More information.
Our Exhibits
Visit the museum to learn about the history of the Tri-City, from the Mission and Rancho Eras through to pre-incorporation — back when Fremont, Newark and Union City were made up of farms, ranches and dairies, and later, after the cities incorporated, suburban communities. Visitors will discover how the waves of families who moved here lived, worked, and established a thriving small-town community.
Learn more about current exhibits at the Museum.
Walking Tours
Tours taking place May through August! Stay tuned in March 2026 for the upcoming schedule!
Have questions about historic walking tours? Call us at 510-623-7907 or email us at info@museumoflocalhistory.org.
Tri-City History (A-Z) in Photographs
Throughout 2024-26, the Tri-City History column is going through the alphabet, with historical photos on a shared theme for each letter.
Niles History Story
Beverley James (fondly known as BJ) Bunting was a dynamic piece of our local history. He always had a smile and a story ready for anyone willing to listen. Born in Niles in 1927, BJ was a part of our local community his entire life. BJ passed away in 2021 at the age of 94.
Read this interview with BJ Bunting, a descendent of pioneers to the area. BJ tells the story of his family history and living in Niles. Interview conducted by Lila Bringhurst.
Fremont History Boxes with the boxART! Program
The City of Fremont boxART! program transforms Fremont’s traffic signal control boxes with compelling and creative imagery. The boxes in Fremont’s new downtown area chronicle the history in four eras through representative photos and maps, selected from the Museum’s archives.
- Paseo Padre Pkwy. @ Walnut Ave. – Pre-1920
- Paseo Padre Pkwy. @ Princeton Plaza (Gateway Plaza) – 1920-1956
- Paseo Padre Pkwy. @ Capitol Ave. – 1980 – 2000
- Capitol Ave. @ Fremont Blvd. – 1980 – 2000
- Walnut Ave. @ Fremont Blvd. – 2000 – 2025
Learn more about the Fremont History Boxes.
News & Announcements
Help us celebrate local women from our past while also celebrating Mission San Jose’s 225th Anniversary.
Learn about notable women from Washington Township history who were active in the town of Mission San Jose.
Check out the new Tri-Cities Women of Influence Historical Coloring Book
Tri-Cities has a legacy of active, passionate women who have dedicated their time and energies to improving the lives of others. This thought-provoking booklet is just the beginning of our exploration of “herstories.”
