About The Museum of American Heritage
The Museum of American Heritage is a small, pleasant museum located near downtown Palo Alto. The museum is housed in a home built for a local doctor in the early 1900s and features seven rooms showcasing devices and exhibits from around that time period. The front and back yards are enjoyable to walk through, and the garage contains a printing press, a Model T Ford, and other historic gadgets. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. The museum regularly presents new exhibits on topics such as the history of the telephone, radio, TV, model trains, and Legos. Visitors can explore interesting old items and small trinkets and artifacts, making it fun for both adults and children. There is a small play area at the end with trains and blocks, which kids enjoy. Some exhibits include interactive pieces, like an old telephone that can be hand cranked, and the Lego display is a temporary exhibit that showcases creative Lego creations. A knowledgeable staff member is available to give tours and answer questions. The museum is open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and features a beautiful garden for visitors to enjoy.
A hidden gem in downtown Palo Alto, MOAH showcases innovation and technology from the pre-computer era. No other museums in the Bay Area focuses on history from this key era. The museum gives the warm, welcoming feeling of a home and showcases both permanent and temporary exhibits of many different topics of interest. The volunteers are congenial and greets visitors with interesting stories of the exhibits. I personally look forward to the next exhibit, which focuses on pre-computer era technology in businesses.