Airfields of Washington Township (PDF) — From their start in 1911 to their final days in 2006, Washington Township had a number of airfields. Tim Swenson researched and wrote this article about the airfields located within Washington Township, Alameda County, California.
Chinese Flower Growers – The history of one Fremont family in the flower growing business. Written by Allen Chan.
Crash of Flight 615 (PDF) — The crash of United Airlines flight 615 in 1951 remains one of California’s worst air disasters. Researched and written by Tim Swenson.
Know History Brochure (PDF) — A printable (8.5in. by 17in.) brochure for our local history buffs. This document includes locations and contact information for historical groups throughout Washington Township–Fremont, Union City and Newark.
Researching & Writing Local History (PDF) — Most people research local history because they want to know more. They want to know more about who, what, and when. Once they know this, it is a short step to writing about it and documenting what was discovered. Writing it down can help organize the history that has been discovered. Written by Tim Swenson
Guide to Mormon Historical Sites in Washington Township, Alameda County, California by Lorin K. Hansen. (see Store to order a hardcopy).
Historical Markers of Washington Township (PDF) – Historical markers have been used to designate locations of historical significance for many years. Different groups have placed historical markers in Washington Township, reminding the public of the historic nature of different locations. This paper documents all of the historical markers in Washington Township as of the date of publication.
Philip Holmes – May 25, 1924 – November 16, 2018 – Philip Holmes, our beloved founding/ life member and prime historian for the museum and all of the Tri-City area passed away in his home at age 94 on November 16, 2018.
Tri-Cities Women of Influence Historical Coloring Book – In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment and Women’s History Month, three organizations have collaborated to introduce you to some of the Tri-Cities’ local influential women in a coloring book style. You can purchase the book in our store, and can also download a PDF of the coloring book at no cost.
A tale of two junctions: the birthing of Niles, 4 June 1869 to 28 April 1870 (PDF) by Victor K. Wong (12/2020).
A brief tale of three Chinese gangs (1865-1869): How three different railroad gangs of Chinese workers helped build the last leg of the first transcontinental railroad to the Pacific, from Sacramento to San Francisco Bay (PDF) by Victor K. Wong (12/2020).
Chinese & Chinese American Genealogical Resources Handout (PDF) — List of resources including websites, presentations, and workshops.
Western Message Petroglyphs: A Faux Indian Picture-Writing Project in the American West by Leigh Marymor — Keywords: Western Message Petroglyphs; Native American picture-writing; pan-cultural symbols; “Faux-Indian” historic inscriptions
Building Alameda Cañon’s first iron road: How Niles Canyon’s first transcontinental railroad was built by three different gangs of Chinese builders in two acts, 1865-1866 & 1869 (PDF) by Victor K. Wong (02/01/2023)
First Chinese New Year celebrations in North America (PDF) by Victor K. Wong (02/2023)
1868 Earthquake
1868 earthquake — Damage in the East Bay and Centerville
Hayward Earthquake — Great Quake of 1868 (PDF) — California experienced many quakes before the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire. The 1868 quake was a major earthquake on the Hayward Fault that changed the history of Alameda County, California. This article was researched and written by Tim Swenson.