san mateo county history museum

Though I had worked and lived in Redwood City for decades, I had never gotten around to a visit to the local History Museum until recently. Housed in the beautiful old courthouse on Broadway in RWC, the museum offers a variety of exhibits focused on local history. Though some of the exhibits are a bit tired and in need of refurbishment, we found it very interesting. I particularly liked visiting the original courtroom with period furnishings. The glass rotunda and architecture in the courthouse is quite beautiful too. Admission is very low, and definitely worth a visit for an hour or so.

the visist at the museum is was ok i thought there should have been more for the kids to interact with like hands on but it was not, i liked all the sites and there was alot i did not know

Really liked our visit. The museum was well planned and thought out. Every room was thoughtfully planned with a theme. I would allow one hour of time for viewing.

Have visited this site many times as they change exhibits frequently. Staff is always helpful. The architecture of the building is always fun to review while walking through. Be sure to check out the bookstore downstairs.

The San Mateo Expo Center is where you will find the International Gem & Jewelry Show comes , the Hillsborough Antique Show, the Bustamante Antique Show, Dog Shows, Flower & Garden Show, County Fairs, etc. Fort Mason, The Cow Place and the Santa Clara Convention Center all have their devotees - but San Mateo seems to be the easiest to drive to, the most centrally located and the one with the flattest & biggest parking lot. It might even be the biggest venue with several large and very large buildings. The restrooms are many and they are clean. But - the food and seating are not of the same caliber. First - the seating. The rickety and often dirty, perpetually grimy white plastic banquet tables and the flimsy plastic folding chairs have been replaced. YAY !!! The bad news is that they have been replaced with aluminum picnic tables - you know the ones. They have the benches attached to the tables. While creating a certain orderliness and an easier-to-clean & maintain vibe - they are not at all friendly to seniors or others who have any kind of issue that would require them to lift a leg to get into a seat/or out of a seat nor are they attractive to anyone who needs a seat back. While I suppose you could argue that if these characteristics describe you - perhaps you should have stayed home. But, I don't think this is what the operators of the Expo Center had in mind. While the unstable, crammed-together tables and chairs had little to recommend them and were a little bit dangerous, I think on balance they might have been better that this aluminum ethos here in the Republic of California where we all have rights. I was sooo disappointed to see the picnic tables. In San Mateo, we may now see a proliferation of wheelchairs, scooters, Rollators with seats and those canes that have those darling little seats affixed to them. Furthermore - this is a very large space with an unrelenting hard surface floor. This is not unique to San Mateo. But - there are no chairs anywhere for anyone to be able to sit drown and rest. To do so, you need to go into one of the restrooms just to sit down... on a toilet. This is very inhospitable. And, it is a real turn-off for folks have a certain amount of time and disposable income. Where have all the flowers, er... seats... gone? We baby boomers are not quite as youthful as we used to be. Mephistos have now replaced the oh so fashionable Aerosoles. Please give us a break or please bring back the bench[es]. The 1 or 2 benches by the American Grill Concession stand, outside the restrooms, are now gone. Admittedly, sitting next to odiferous mustard, relish & onions outside the restrooms was a little weird. But - at least you could sit down. But, yes, there are kudos. Hooray. There is a Starbucks stand next to the American Grill concession counter. I did not get to drink the coffee yesterday - but I am hopeful. The hamburgers, turkey burgers, chicken fingers and hot dogs plus beer and wine are nothing to write home about. But, they were hot and fresh when I was there. However, the flat panel TV menu boards move a bit slowly if you are waiting for the next screen to determine your order. At the end of the same wall as the American Grill counter, but in the opposite corner is another permanent concession stand. I do not remember the name of it. It has the same new limestone facade that gives you hope for the cuisine. Here they have the salads, nachos, popcorn, cookies, chips and soups, I think. In front of this area are the same charming metal picnic benches. For awhile there had been an Asian food cart which sadly has gone. I don't know if they did not sell enough to make it worth while or what. But having a good Mexican, Asian or other ethnic offerings would be great. Food trucks anyone? We have vendors from all over the place and no opportunity to show off our local and delicious cuisines. And, of course the beer and wine are the institutional ones in single serve bottles. So - our famous craft beers and wines do not get a proper showcase either. I know this is not the Ferry Building - but I can't help but think there are additional revenue opportunities here that would benefit all of us. I also see those massage chair folks in all kinds of places - even in Whole Foods. It is so arduous to do a 1 - 3 day show as a vendor - or to do a full day's shopping at this venue. Let's cut all these folks some slack and let them take a break in a comfortable, massage chair. Help them remember us fondly so they'll come back real soon. BTW - turning on the A/C before it gets hot means you have less to cool down. I have been told it takes less energy to do this. It was a fairly mild day yesterday at the Gem Show and it was REALLY hot inside. I know we can do better. Note: For the Gem Show strollers are not permitted. Services dogs are of course welcome.

A very close friend has an annual scavenger hunt for her friends in order to help fun the museum. Not only is the hunt fun but very educational about San Mateo County, as well. The Museum is a great place to see the dynamic history of the county in photos, descriptions and displays throughout the old courthouse. Fun for the whole family.

Plan to spend a good couple of hours on the first floor alone. A thorough and interesting look at how "The Peninsula" developed over time, with special emphasis on the evolution of transportation from the early 1800's.

OUR History Museum is one for the finest historical museums in the whole northern part of the state, can"t speak for the south,because have not been to many there, Ours is filled with accurate local history, and displayed very professionally, It is a beautiful architectural building. Well worth a visit,

This is a good place to spend an hour or so with school-aged children to get a glimpse of California history.

Right in the middle of Court House Square, this museum is well worth a visit. It's one of the best of the small local history museums I've ever been to. The old court house building with it's magnificent stained glass dome and the old fashioned court room is wonderful alone, but there are many different exhibits covering all aspects of local San Mateo county history, from the unique natural history through the 1800's all the way to modern Silicon Valley roots. There really is something for everyone to enjoy here!

The building itself is worth a visit - but we thoroughly enjoyed the museum galleries as well. From native peoples to Silicon Valley pioneers, sports heroes, immigrants, politicians, surfers! The history of San Mateo County is thoroughly covered, and presented in an interactive and attractive way. Highly recommend!

We only popped in to get out of the rain (which passed very quickly) but found ourselves thoroughly enjoying our visit. Its an excellent museum which has been well thought out and has lots of interesting exhibits

The beautifully restored old courthouse building with lots of great info on the local area. Very interesting exhibits and the docents really enjoy talking to visitors about the city's history.Lots of excellent restaurants all around the square so this is a good destination for a little history and then a nice lunch.

This museum continues to improve, from a small-town ho-hum museum to one worth making an effort to see. Very well curated with frequent new exhibits in a lovely historic domed courthouse. You will enjoy your time and it is good for kids as well.

Lots of interesting tidbits about San Mateo County History. Fun for our Grandaughter. It is nice that the exhibits change so there is always something new and fresh.