Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Discover Sunnyvale's Heritage at Our Museum
Founded in 1956, the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum was established to preserve the Murphy family home, which became California Registered Historical Landmark No. 644 in 1960. Though the original home was demolished in 1961, the museum now operates from a replica built in 2008, housing artifacts and exhibits that chronicle Sunnyvale's history. Our mission focuses on preservation, education, and community engagement through permanent and rotating exhibits, educational programs, and public events.With over 30,000 volunteer hours contributed in 2019 alone, we rely on community support to maintain free admission and expand our collections. The museum features historical exhibits like the Orchard Heritage Park, Bianchi Barn, and Murphy family displays, alongside seasonal events such as Victorian Teas and school programs. Our vision is to become a renowned history center for Silicon Valley and beyond, ensuring Sunnyvale's heritage is preserved for future generations.
Services
Museum Exhibits
Historical Tours
Educational Programs
Event Rentals
Volunteer Opportunities
Artifact Donations
Research Library
Community Events
Heritage Orchard Tours
School Field Trips
Details
- Year established: 1956
Highlights and features
- We offer free admission to all exhibits and programs.
- Our 30,000+ annual volunteer hours ensure community-driven preservation efforts.
- We provide educational programs for schools and rotating exhibits on local history.
- Our museum includes California Registered Historical Landmark No. 644.
- We host unique events like Victorian Teas and historical treasure hunts.
Services
Museum Exhibits
The museum showcases permanent exhibits like the Murphy family artifacts, Bianchi Barn, and Heritage Orchard Park. Rotating exhibits explore themes such as local industries, fashion history, and technological evolution. All exhibits are designed to educate visitors about Sunnyvale's cultural and historical significance.
Educational Programs
We offer curriculum-aligned programs for K-12 students, including guided tours and hands-on activities. Programs focus on local history, preservation, and cultural heritage. Teachers receive resource materials to enhance classroom learning through historical context.
Community Events
Seasonal events like Victorian Teas, historical treasure hunts, and speaker nights engage residents. These programs combine education with entertainment, featuring local historians, artifact demonstrations, and themed activities that connect visitors to Sunnyvale's past.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers contribute to daily operations, special events, and preservation projects. Roles include docents, event coordinators, and archival assistants. Training programs ensure volunteers develop expertise in historical interpretation and museum practices.
Artifact Donations
We accept donations of items related to Sunnyvale's history for preservation and display. Donors receive documentation for tax purposes. The collection includes household objects, photographs, and industrial artifacts that represent the city's development from agricultural roots to tech hub.
Questions
What are the museum's hours?
Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Check our calendar for holiday closures.
Is admission free?
Yes, all exhibits and programs are free to the public.
Can I host events at the museum?
We offer rental spaces for private events like weddings and corporate functions. Contact us for details.
How can I volunteer?
Complete our online volunteer survey to find opportunities matching your skills and interests.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, as a 501(c)(3) organization, your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
What outdoor areas are available?
The Heritage Orchard Park features apricot trees and walking paths. The Bianchi Barn is accessible externally.
