Washington Township Museum of Local History

Throughout 2024-25, the Tri-City History column is going through the alphabet, with historical photos on a shared theme for each letter.

Read the columns!
Stroll Through Time on Ellsworth Street

A self-guided tour of what once stood on Ellsworth Street.

This project was done as part of the September 2022 Better Block event in Mission San Jose.
Four boxART! utility boxes in Fremont’s new downtown area chronicle the history in four eras through representative photos and maps, selected from the Museum’s archives. Learn more
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. Come visit us!

More information
Have you seen our online collection?

Visit our online collection, made possible through a partnership with Niles Rotary (Fremont) and California Revealed (The California State Library). View photographs, audio and video recordings, and bound books online.

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!

Listen to the episode

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.

110th Anniversary of the PPIE (1915)

In 2025, from April to October, various locations around Fremont are celebrating the 110^th anniversary of the PPIE. View exhibits and learn about local contributions to the infamous fair that took place in San Francisco in 1915. For more information, please visit: The Panama-Pacific International Exposition -Southern Alameda County Edition

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.

Learn about our new project: Tri-City Treasures Forgotten

Walking Tour Schedule 2025

Tours taking place May through August!
View the full schedule

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.

Support Us!

Museum membership entitles you to advance notice of all new exhibits, meetings, cultural activities and special events. You also get free admission to all of our events. Join us today!

Volunteer opportunities are abundant. We are always in need of museum sitters (people who help keep the doors open), tour guides for adults and schoolchildren, archival help, fundraising and membership chairpersons… the list goes on. This is your museum and we want you to know you play an important role. If you have a skill or are willing to learn a new one, we’d love to have you. Call or email us today!

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

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.”

Purchase for $5 at the museum, online or download!