This museum features the history of the peninsula, from the Ohlones to the present, and educates…read morevisitors about the growth and changes that have had such a powerful impact on the community over time. There are so many different rooms and exhibits on two levels, make sure you give yourself at least one and a half hours (at minimum), in order to make the most out of your visit.
I really enjoyed the Living the California Dream gallery detailing suburban life and middle-class living, in an object theatre with a repeating 6-minute show when the room darkens then highlights the items on display, including instruments, household appliances, and more.
Ships of the World showcased a plethora of model ships in great detail, created by Charles Parsons, a resident of nearby San Carlos. So many scale models, and a section about shipwrecks, including a video discussing the many shipwrecks along the San Mateo coast, how pigeon point was named after a shipwreck, and details about the rydall hall wreck at point montara while transporting coal to SF from Wales... almost 100 shipwrecks from the 1850s to 1950s!
The Extraordinary Cow Palace, in the changing exhibit gallery, was so interesting to explore, seeing the history of events and traditions known and loved today, such as the Great Dickens Christmas Fair and the rodeos. In addition, there was plenty of memorabilia dedicated to arts and entertainment, the music industry, and sports.
The Innovators gallery showcased inventions of items like the first video tape recorder, and various accomplishments in technology, arts and entertainment, business, and agriculture. This includes the amazing contributions of Nolan Bushnell, his desired carnival-themed restaurant, the first Pizza Time Theatre in San Jose in 1977 (now known as Chuck E. Cheese), as well as Atari and its pong game (also in the 70's).
Other exhibits to view and learn about include the Ohlone tule house, inhabitants' utilization of natural resources, the Spanish's impact on life through agriculture, tools and trade, whaling after the gold rush (blubber used for household items like lights, soap, and cosmetics), development of transportation, the real courthouse, displays about law enforcement and biographies of fallen officers, immigration in San Mateo county, and Maverick's, a surfer's dream for big waves near Half Moon Bay (there's even an interactive surfboard where you can ride the waves).
The magnificent architecture of the great dome on the second level, is also something to appreciate here, the largest stained glass dome on the west coast, with captivating detail. Even the courthouse square outside the museum entrance is a beautiful area, with lovely fountains out front.
The volunteers/staff are helpful and eager to share details about all of the fascinating exhibits. There are guided tours available, but I preferred to explore at my own pace. And taking advantage of first fridays' free admission totally made it worth the trip out.