Saratoga
California
Saratoga Historical Foundation
Mission
- To stimulate public interest in Saratoga history.
- To carry on research and collect records, pictures, artifacts and other memorabilia related to our local history.
- To maintain a Museum for the display and safe-keeping of archival material.
About
The Saratoga Historical Foundation (SHF) was established in November, 1962 by Florence Russell Cunningham. It had its origins in the History Committee of the Foothill Club. Miss Cunningham, a school teacher, was vitally interested in local history and chaired the History Committee.
She was also an avid collector of Saratoga memorabilia which she donated to the Museum. At her death, she willed her collection and the money from her estate to establish a Museum for Saratoga.
Her dream of a Museum for Saratoga became a reality in 1976. The American Bicentennial Celebration provided an opportunity to relocate and renovate a historic Saratoga structure for use as a Museum. The Swanee store and the Jarboe-McWilliams House were moved to their present sites and dedicated for use as a Museum in 1976.
Recent News
Striking the Iron
Striking the Iron The Saratoga History Museum invites the public to see “Striking the Iron” an opportunity to step back in time. The event will take place on Sunday October 20 from 1-4. Admission is free. A highlight of the event will be…
Read More »California Bound: Opening the West
California Bound: Opening the West – 1840-1846 The westward migration to California is the largest in U.S. history, with over 250,000 people making the journey across the Great American Desert between 1840 and 1870. The Donner Party, the California…
Read More »Saratoga Blossom Festival
The Saratoga Blossom Festival Is Going Strong. The Saratoga Blossom Festival will take place on June 8 from 10 to 4. The festival was originally rained out in April. The festival features arts and crafts, live music, City and local…
Read More »There's a blacksmith in town
Blacksmith Grand Opening The Saratoga Historical Foundation is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new blacksmith exhibit on Saturday May 18 from l to 4. The public is invited to attend. To celebrate the new building there will be live…
Read More »Blossom Festival
Antique cars, art, crafts, live music and more will be part of the fun. The Festival will be held April 13 from 10-4 PM at the Heritage Orchard and Saratoga Civic Center (13777 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga, CA). The event is free and open to the…
Read More »"How Californians Saved Big Basin Park"-- free lecture
Saratoga Historical Foundation presents, “How Californians Saved Big Basin” on August 22 at 7:00 PM on Zoom. Author of “Big Basin Redwood Forest: California’s Oldest State Park,” Dr. Traci Bliss details in her lecture how and why a most unlikely…
Read More »Come to the Blacksmith Revival Gala on July 22
Come to the Blacksmith Revival Gala on July 22. The Saratoga Historical Foundation is hosting a Blacksmith’s Revival Gala on July 22 at San Jose History Park. The fundraiser includes a sparkling wine and…
Read More »Paul Masson Winery - From the Historic Hilltop to the Vast Valley Floor: A Postcard History- Free Lecture
Paul Masson Winery - From the Historic Hilltop to the Vast Valley Floor: A Postcard History- Free Lecture As part of the Saratoga Historical Foundation lecture series, Alice van Ommeren and Gail Unzelman will share the story of the Paul Masson…
Read More »Paul Masson Winery - From the Historic Hilltop to the Vast Valley Floor: A Postcard History- Free Lecture
As part of the Saratoga Historical Foundation lecture series, Alice van Ommeren and Gail Unzelman will share the story of the Paul Masson Winery through vintage postcards on June 20 at 7:00 PM on Zoom. The program is free and open to the public. …
Read More »Author Lawrence Coates to Speak About His Book at the Blossom Festival
Author Lawrence Coates to Discuss Book at the Saratoga Blossom Festival Author and Educator Lawrence Coates will give a lecture on his book, The Blossom Festival on April 29 at 1 PM at the Warner Hutton House during the Blossom Festival…
Read More »Come to the Saratoga Blossom Festival
Come to the Blossom Festival on April 29!!! Antique cars, art, crafts, live music and more will be part of the 2023 Saratoga Blossom Festival held April 29 from 10-4 PM at the Heritage Orchard and Saratoga Civic Center (13777 Fruitvale…
Read More »