Visiting the Museum
What are your hours of operation?
The Museum and California native garden are 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. Holidays may impact this schedule, so be sure to confirm on our Calendar page: https://museumoflocalhistory.org/contact/calendar-special-events/
Where are you located, and is there parking?
190 Anza Street
Fremont, CA 94539
The museum is located in an old fire station in downtown Mission San Jose. We are located just across the street from the Mission San Jose Post Office. We have onsite and streetside parking.
How much is admission?
We encourage a suggested donation for visitors: $2 per visitor, or $5 per family. Museum members and children ages 5 and under are always free.
We offer a variety of docent-led and student tours, each with a small fee per person. Learn more about tours: https://museumoflocalhistory.org/contact/museum-tours/
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
The entire building is ADA accessible.
Are strollers allowed?
Children and strollers are welcome.
Can I bring food or drinks inside?
You may, but we ask that you use your museum manners. We have picnic tables in our backyard if you’d like to enjoy your lunch in the sun. We also have tables in our main meeting room.
Do you allow photography?
Anyone who wants to showcase what we have here in our museum, please feel free to spread the word on social media. If you are interested in reproducing photographs or profiting from use of our collection, please contact us about our image use policy.
Exhibits & Programs
What exhibitions are currently on view?
We sometimes forget to update our website when something new goes up in the museum. Please visit us to see what’s new!
What is your most popular exhibit?
Adults tend to love the aerials from the 1940s, but kids really enjoy the “Then and Now” touchable technology exhibit and our ice-age fossils.
Are there interactive exhibits for children?
Kids can interact with our “Then and Now” touchable technology exhibit and the Mission shoe store exhibit.
Do you offer guided tours?
We offer a variety of docent-guided tours for both adults and children. More information (including length, fees, and topics covered): https://museumoflocalhistory.org/contact/museum-tours/
Can I book a group visit or school field trip?
We offer docent-guided tours for student groups. More information (including fees, chaperone requirements, and suggestions about preparing for your class visit): https://museumoflocalhistory.org/contact/school-tours/
Do you host special events or lectures?
Museum staff often participate in local community events and presentations. Check our Calendar page for information about the latest events: https://museumoflocalhistory.org/contact/calendar-special-events/
Local History & Research
How can I research my family or local property history?
Please visit us on one of our open days. You can also email or call us to get us jump-started on your inquiry.
Do you have historical photos of the city?
Yes, we have many historical photos in exhibits and in our large archive. We also have some online resources throughout our website.
How can I access your archives?
Call or email us to schedule an appointment. You can also drop in on one of our open days.
Can I donate historical items or artifacts?
Our museum focuses on the history of Fremont, Newark, and Union City and their roots in the towns of Mission San Jose, Warm Springs, Irvington, Centerville, Niles, Newark, Alvarado, and Decoto. The museum collects, preserves, and documents the continuing heritage. We strive to represent the social, political, economic, industrial, agricultural, technological, and cultural heritage of Washington Township, from prehistory to the present.
Important items in the museum were donated by people like you. We want to acquire more items of historical significance to the Tri-City area, formerly known as Washington Township.
Learn more about donating items to the museum: https://museumoflocalhistory.org/donations-to-collections/
Community & Support
How can I become a member or volunteer?
We invite you to participate in the Museum of Local History Guild. Join today and be a part of this venture that will benefit our community for generations to come.
Membership in The Museum of Local History Guild entitles you to advance notice of all new exhibits, meetings, cultural activities, and special events. A bi-annual newsletter will keep you informed on other related programs. Volunteer opportunities to become a docent, serve on committees, and assist in the research library are available. This is YOUR museum, and we want you to know you play an important role.
The museum is a non-profit organization, established for public benefit. Monetary gifts and membership fees are tax-deductible. Learn more about membership: https://museumoflocalhistory.org/support/membership/
How can I support the museum (donations, sponsorships)?
We welcome monetary donations and endowments. We are a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Monetary donations are needed to keep the museum running, to archive our collections and to maintain and preserve items on display.
Individuals and businesses can support the Museum of Local History programs, designate specific activities or exhibits, and honor a friend or loved one by making a tax-deductible contribution. You may provide an unrestricted use where the Museum’s need is greatest, or support an area of the Museum in which you have a special interest. Learn more about making a donation: https://museumoflocalhistory.org/support/donate/
Other
Do you offer summer camps or workshops?
Not at this time.
Is the museum available for private rentals?
Not typically, but each situation is different. Feel free to contact us to find out!
How do I request a speaker for a community event?
Please email us at info@museumoflocalhistory.org or call 510-623-7907.
Do you sell local history books or merchandise?
We have an online store featuring a variety of books: https://museumoflocalhistory.org/store/
We also sell most of these items in person at 190 Anza Street in Fremont.
Is there a self-guided tour available online?
We do not have a guide that you can print. Come in and see our museum in person!
We also offer a number of walking tours around the City, and many of them have a PDF version posted on our website, so you can do a self-guided version of those tours: https://museumoflocalhistory.org/contact/adult-tours/