The San Mateo County History Museum occupies the restored 1910 county courthouse on Courthouse Square in downtown Redwood City. It traces the Peninsula’s story from its earliest Native American inhabitants to the Silicon Valley innovators of today, and families and history enthusiasts come for hands-on galleries inside one of the region’s grandest civic buildings (Find Local).
Look up as soon as you enter. The rotunda rises to one of the largest stained glass domes in California, and the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (Loc8NearMe). The Historical Association moved into the courthouse in 1998 (SMCHA). Since then, its long-term exhibits have used interactive kiosks, video cameras, microphones and learning-lab gadgets to engage younger visitors (Bay Area Older Adults). The preserved historic courtroom is a highlight for anyone curious about the building’s original purpose.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Weekday afternoons are the quietest time to visit, because school groups tend to arrive in the mornings. Allow about two hours to see the galleries properly. Hours and admission can change, so confirm them on the official Plan Your Visit page before you go. Ask the staff about tours of the courthouse and the association’s other historic sites, as well as upcoming lectures. The Redwood City Caltrain station is a short walk away. After your visit, you can find restaurants and the Fox Theatre within a few blocks on Broadway.
