Museum of American Heritage
351 Homer Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301
Open Friday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm
www.moah.org
The Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) is the Bay Area's only museum dedicated to collecting, preserving and showcasing pre-computer technologies, thus inspiring future innovators with the inventions of the past.
Thirty-five years ago, Palo Alto Native, Frank Livermore, founded the Museum of American Heritage, driven by his passion for collecting mechanical and electrical items after acquiring a Standard Vacuum Sweeper at a garage sale in the 1960s. In 1990, Frank, along with his 600-artifact collection, opened MOAH’s first exhibition in an old Palo Alto BMW showroom at 275 Alma Street.
In 1994, MOAH acquired the lease to the Williams house, which was bequeathed to the City of Palo Alto when the last remaining daughter, Rhona Williams, passed away in 1989. Dr. Thomas Williams played an essential role in the creation of the Palo Alto Medical Center, and since 1994, MOAH has been committed to preserving and maintaining the 117-year-old house and its history for the community to enjoy.
Stored in MOAH’s 13,000 sq. ft. warehouse, the museum’s collection has grown to over 8,000 artifacts and continues to serve as a vital resource for the Palo Alto and local communities. As a free institution, MOAH provides individuals and families an opportunity to learn through permanent and rotating exhibitions, lectures, educational programs and special events. None of these accomplishments would be possible without the devotion of MOAH’s three staff members, twelve volunteer board members, and over fifty volunteers.
The Museum of American Heritage is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year with a new exhibit, Honoring 35 Years of Collectors, along with many exciting events and programs! Visit www.moah.org to explore our collection, events, memberships, and tours.
Volunteering is a great way to connect with the community and has many health benefits (it’s scientifically proven!). Whether you want to get more involved in the community or to enjoy the health benefits, MOAH would love to hear from you! MOAH has in-person and virtual opportunities, and we welcome teens ages 15 years and up with a guardian’s approval!
We offer a variety of volunteering opportunities in the following areas:
- Gallery Support
- Collections Care
- Including restoration projects
- Artifact Research
- Garden
- Events
- Social Media
- General Facilities Support
Sign up to volunteer here!
We are fortunate to have a spacious property and beautiful garden, making MOAH a great location to host our own events as well as those of local nonprofit organizations and schools.
Each year, MOAH hosts a wide variety of events, including:
- Four to five engaging lectures
- Three to four summer concerts, often held under the evening sky in the Williams’ Garden
- Member-Only events, such as new exhibition reception parties, a preview of the BayLUG Holiday Show featuring LEGO® before it opens to the public, and warehouse tours.
- Annual Vintage Vehicles & Family Festival
- Members-Only Open Warehouse Day
In addition, MOAH proudly partners with over fifteen local nonprofit organizations and schools. We are honored to offer our Livermore Learning Center and garden as a space for these groups to host their events. It’s our way of supporting local organizations and giving back to the community.
Know of a nonprofit or school group looking for space? Please contact Michelle Fabian at michelle@moah.org or 650-321-1004.
Please visit MOAH’s events page to see more about our events and to sign up for our mailing list!
Become a MOAH member and be a part of this unique local museum!
Visit MOAH’s Membership page to join today!
MOAH Membership Benefits Include:
- Free admission to MOAH’s events
- Exclusive Invitations to Member-Only Events:
- Open Warehouse Day at our 13,000 sq. ft. San Carlos Collection Warehouse
- New Exhibition Reception Parties with live concerts
- Preview of the BayLUG Holiday Show before it opens to the public
- Many more special events!
- Free subscription to MOAH communications
**Become a Patron ($1000) or Livermore ($2500) level member and have the opportunity to book a private event at the museum or warehouse. **
Membership Levels
- Individual - $50
- Family - $65
- Sustaining - $100
- Supporting - $250
- Sponsoring - $500
- Patron - $1000
- Livermore Collector - $2500
What will my contribution support?
MOAH is a one-of-a-kind museum located in the heart of Silicon Valley. It is dedicated exclusively to the history of early technological innovations, both mechanical and electrical. With strong ties to the community, in addition to the care and restoration of our home in the historic Williams house and garden, the museum also preserves and restores a growing collection of over 8,000 artifacts. MOAH does not receive any federal, state or municipal funding. All proceeds from our memberships, donations, and fundraising events enable us to continue maintaining the highly professional standards of our preservation. With your support, we can continue to collect, preserve and showcase pre-computer technologies, thus inspiring future innovators with the inventions of the past.
Questions or comments? Email michelle@moah.org or call 650-321-1004.
Hope to see you soon!