San Mateo County History Museum, County history museum in Redwood City, United States

The San Mateo County History Museum occupies the former San Mateo County Superior Court building, constructed in 1910 in the City Beautiful style, in downtown Redwood City. Its stained-glass dome is thought to be the largest of its kind on the West Coast. The museum holds about 420,000 two- and three-dimensional items and expanded from 6,000 square feet at the College of San Mateo to 40,000 square feet here.

The San Mateo County Historical Association, founded in 1935, opened its museum in a College of San Mateo classroom in 1963. In 1998 the board moved it into the former San Mateo County Superior Court building, built in 1910, and the museum opened there on February 6, 1999. Between 1998 and 2006 more than $20 million went into restoring the exterior and interior.

The 'Land of Opportunity' exhibition shows how different immigrant groups built their lives in San Mateo County over generations. Visitors can explore personal stories and objects that reveal their arrival and daily experiences.

The museum is located in downtown Redwood City and is easily accessible on foot, with adequate parking nearby. Visitors should plan for two to three hours to get a good overview and can use the research areas for family and local history if interested.

The stained-glass dome above the former courtroom is thought to be the largest of its kind on the West Coast. The building is a product of the City Beautiful Movement, which ran from 1893 to 1920. The San Mateo County Historical Association, founded in 1935, has run the museum since its move here.