Museum Extension Campaign

 

EXPLORE THE LEGACY OF SUNNYVALE

The Sunnyvale Historical Society and Museum Association (SHSMA) is excited to announce an expansion, thanks to the City of Sunnyvale's approval. Our new space will host a research library that showcases the rich history and achievements of Sunnyvale and an exhibit called cold war achievements.

Local History Research Library

Our new space will host a Research Library and Archives that showcases the rich history and achievements of our community, from its agricultural roots to high technological development and growth.

SHS Research Library & Archives

Discover a treasure trove of information in our Research Library and Archives for Local and California history. Our collections include a wealth of resources such as:

• Murphy Family Books and Archives: Historical texts and materials that offer insights into Sunnyvale’s founding family. Martin Murphy Jr. was an Irish immigrant who became one of the largest landowners in the state, founder of schools, and father of mayors and senators.
• Specialized California Histories: including the nineteenth century Works of Hubert Howe Bancroft, Historian of the West.
• Vintage Photos and Newspapers: A visual journey through the city’s past, captured in rare photographs and periodicals.
• Newspaper clippings and maps: Detailed records, ephemera, and maps that chart the growth and development of Sunnyvale.
• Business Materials and Individual Histories: Personal papers and documents that tell the stories of local businesses and individuals.
• Deeds and Historical Documents: Official records that shed light on key events and transactions in Sunnyvale’s history.

These materials are available to the public by appointment, providing a unique opportunity for in-depth research and exploration.

Cold War Era Achievements in Sunnyvale

Our second exhibit, Cold War Era Achievements in Sunnyvale, is dedicated to the groundbreaking work in national defense and reconnaissance that took place in our city. A highlight of this exhibit is the iconic "Blue Cube," a symbol of Sunnyvale's significant role in aerospace defense.

The exhibit will feature stories about America’s first imaging reconnaissance satellites, known as CORONA, developed by Lockheed's Space Systems Division in Sunnyvale from 1959 to 1972. These satellites, once highly classified and declassified in 1995, were instrumental in Cold War intelligence gathering.

This exhibit honors the contributions of aerospace defense corporations like Lockheed and the remarkable individuals who played vital roles in national security. Our goal is to preserve and share these pivotal stories, ensuring that the legacy of these achievements is remembered for generations to come.

HELP US PRESERVE HISTORY

To realize this vision, we need your support. By contributing to this project, you can help us create exhibits that educate, inspire, and pay tribute to the innovative minds and unsung heroes of the aerospace defense community. Your donations will fund the construction of the new exhibit spaces, the curation of artifacts, and the development of educational programs for all ages.

GET INVOLVED

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a former aerospace industry professional, or simply someone who values preserving important stories, there are many ways you can contribute:

• Donate: Your financial contributions are vital to the success of this expansion. You can choose to support the Local History Research Library or the National Defense and Reconnaissance Exhibit.
• Volunteer: Join our dedicated team in various roles, from exhibit development to visitor services.
• Share Your Story: If you or someone you know has ties to the aerospace defense sector, we want to hear from you. Your experiences and stories are vital to our mission.

Together, we can create a space that not only commemorates the past but also inspires future generations to appreciate the critical role of aerospace defense in shaping our world.

Thank you for supporting SHSMA's mission to preserve and celebrate our rich history. We look forward to welcoming you to the new National Defense and Reconnaissance Exhibit.