Winter 2023 Highlights
Los Altos History Museum Reopens
On February 11 , our friends at the Los Altos History Museum celebrated the grand opening of their completely reimagined permanent exhibit on the history of our area . The MVHA was pleased to partner with the museum to provide photos and information related to the shared history of Mountain View and Los Altos . Prior to the exhibit ’ s opening , the museum hosted MVHA board members and volunteers for a special preview of the new exhibit and we encourage all interested to visit soon !
Much of the exhibit consists of expansive video walls and interactive touch screens that allow curators to display and rotate a wide range of digital images , videos , and recordings that bring history to life in new and dynamic ways . Unique historical objects and artifacts are displayed as well . Instead of being organized chronologically , the exhibit is divided into four major thematic sections inspired by our local geography : the hills , the creeks , the valley , and the town of Los Altos itself .
Above : A look at the “ Valley ” section of the exhibit while its video wall displays an MVHA archival photo .
Above : Joe Perez spent part of his childhood as a migrant farmworker in Los Altos and grew up to become the fi rst Mexican-American councilmember and mayor of Mountain View . The MVHA connected the museum with the Perez family and provided historic information and photos to help share his inspiring story in the new exhibit .
Left : Shells from the Castro Shellmound , a large ancient earthen mound built by the local Ohlone people in what is now Mountain View , are one of many fascinating historical objects on display .
The exhibit is an exciting precedent for how we can share local history in new and dynamic ways , all within relatively small footprints thanks to modern technology like interactive touch screens . Although there are no active plans for a Mountain View history museum , the MVHA Board is inspired by what Los Altos has accomplished and plans to research opportunities to install similar interactive displays in places like the Mountain View History Center .
Stories of Heart ’ s Delight
We had a great turnout at our winter event on February 5 ! Local author and historian Robin Chapman regaled us with fun and fascinating stories and images pulled from her research on the history of the Santa Clara Valley and featured in her new book , The Valley of Heart ’ s Delight : True Tales from Around the Bay . Although the weather outside was cold and sometimes wet ( Pretty much the story of winter 2022-23 !) the historic
Adobe Building was cozy thanks to the warm glow of its blazing �ireplace and the friendly company of those inside . Thanks to everyone who joined us , we hope to see you at the Adobe again on May 7 !
Left : Author and historian Robin Chapman at the MVHA ’ s Winter 2023 event in the historic Adobe Building .
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