Preserving Saratoga's Rich Heritage
Plan your visit
Get a glimpse of the past while visiting the Saratoga History Museum. Nestled against the hillside, the turn-of-the-century former drugstore contains displays of artifacts and photographs from early Saratoga.
Trace Saratoga's colorful history from the Muwekma Ohlone Indians, early lumbermills, fertile prune orchards, dancing champagne fountains of Paul Masson to the present stately charm of the area through the exhibits. Special exhibits are set up regularly—so there's a reason to return time and time again.
Saratoga takes pride in its legendary residents—Senator Phelan who created the famed Villa Montalvo's center of arts; Isabel Stine who built the lovely Hakone gardens; Theodore Wores, a famous plein air artist known for capturing the beauty of Santa Clara valley; Kathleen Norris, prolific writer of novels; vintner Paul Masson; actresses Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine and more! Several of the local buildings were designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan.
The legacy of historical figures can be found throughout Saratoga. Mary Brown, wife of abolitionist John Brown, lived in Saratoga for several years and is buried in historic Madronia Cemetery. "Sunshine" Williams, founder of the famous Saratoga Blossom Festival was one of the original members of the Sempervirens Club who proposed Big Basin become a state park; Riley Septimus Moutrey, one of the "heroes" who rescued members of the Donner Party in 1847; and Augustus J. Dowd who discovered the Calaveras Big Tree Grove in 1852.
The museum offers docent-led walking tours by calling 408-867-4311. See charming 100-year old homes, historic Oak Street School, the World War I Memorial Arch and more. A self-guided historic home bicycling tour is also available with the map available online or at the Museum.
Stop by the Museum gift shop and see the new book from Author and Lecturer Robin Chapman: The Valley of Heart's Delight — the True Tales from Around the Bay.
The Museum Gift Shop has copies of the hard to find Florence Cunningham's Saratoga's First Hundred Years along with over 20 other books on local history, postcards, notecards, and more. You'll also find books on the town fire department, autobiographies of local citizens, and beautiful artwork for sale.
Gift shop hours: Friday & Sunday 1–4 PM; Saturdays 10 AM–4 PM
Next door to the museum is the McWilliams House, also a historical landmark. Built in 1852, the McWilliams House offers a snapshot of how the McWilliams family (with five girls) lived during the 1800s. Completely restored, it is used for educational programs for both adults and children. The McWilliams blacksmith has interesting tools a blacksmith would use. Audiovisual films also show the blacksmith's work. A favorite point of interest and photo site is the one-room schoolhouse located next door.
Founded over 150 years ago, Saratoga is one of the oldest towns in California and one of the first founded in the West. In fact, the entire town of Saratoga is a historic destination and is a California State Landmark. After visiting the museum, visitors will enjoy walking around the Saratoga Village—shopping in the boutiques, poking in antique stores, dining at a variety of restaurants, wine tasting or taking advantage of a long list of interesting places to see and do.
Browse the calendar for lectures, exhibits, and special programs—then stay in the loop by email.
Catch up on past presentations from home.
April 23, 2025
Discover the industrial history of our region through this fascinating lecture about the Kaiser Permanente Quarry and Cement Plant.
Watch RecordingMarch 25, 2025
Why is "Silicon Valley" located here, in California? This non-technical presentation by Paul Wesling, an IEEE Life Fellow, provides the colorful history of technology development that began in Palo Alto and spread across the Santa Clara Valley.
Watch RecordingExplore our Pioneer Living program for 3rd-5th grades, and take a walk around Saratoga to spot Bats and Other Wildlife using these pictures.
Take a moment to read about the history of Saratoga blacksmiths! The attached presentation gives a quick overview on the roles of a blacksmith in 1850 as well as the blacksmiths that once worked in Saratoga.
The information was given in a presentation to the Saratoga Foothill Club as well as was part of a display in the Saratoga Library lobby.
Read the Presentation (PDF)Support local history and the museum today. The Saratoga Historical Foundation invites you to join/renew your membership or make a donation today.
Saratoga High School students looking to fulfill community service requirements can contact Linda Hagelin at the Saratoga History Museum.
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