Current and Upcoming Events

Photos and artifacts from many events and activities are on display: from the formation of the society in 1956 to the creation of the OHPIE (Orchard Heritage Park Interpretive Exhibit) pavilion in 2001, moving the Bianchi barn to the park (dedicated in 2003), the construction of the museum in 2008, and looking back on eighteen years of operating a successful museum.

Visitors will see photos of events and activities over the years, including the centennial celebration of 2012, the 10-year anniversary that was staged in year 11 because the demolition of the old maintenance building and construction of the new walkway had not yet been completed, in addition to Walk through Time, and Trails to Railscommunity events. Many rotating exhibitions of a great variety of themes were displayed through the years; the School Program was redesigned for the new museum, and events such as the Vintage and Yard Sales evolved as circumstances shifted.

Visit the summer exhibition and take in the whole evolution of the Sunnyvale Historical Society when you join us in celebrating this extraordinary journey - made possible with the support of a multitude of volunteers who gave their time and resources to first establish the Sunnyvale Historical Society, then keep the museum and the society going for seventy years!

Speaker Night: Walking in the Footsteps of William Brewer

Presented by Richard Cliff
June 8, 2026, at 7:15 pm
at the museum

Join us for a unique visual journey through the Sierra Nevada, following the men who surveyed the geology of California!

Richard Cliff will take you back in time to the early 1860s on an adventure throughout California with the Whitney Survey team. The California legislature installed the Office of State Geologist in 1860 and named Josiah D. Whitney (yes, Mount Whitney was named after him!) to lead the effort to create an accurate geological survey of the state. The leader of the original field party was William Henry Brewer, the chief botanist. Brewer assembled a team for a geological survey that provided a vast amount of information, including the first description of Kings Canyon. He wrote journals along the way which were published as Up and Down California in 1860-1864.

Richard will share how he and his hiking buddy Elvis set out to better understand these early California explorers. Who were they? How do they compare with modern day explorers (hikers)? What motivated them to endure severe hardships to create a lasting record of the geology of the state?

Growing up in a family who loved the outdoors, Richard has been hiking and exploring in the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District of England since his childhood. Migrating to the Bay Area in 1990 to pursue a high-tech career with Altera Corporation, his hiking passion continued and included his wife and family. Twelve years ago, Richard teamed up with a work colleague, Elvis Fu, and together they have backpacked all over the Sierra Nevada, always in search of new adventures. Now retired, Richard documents backpacking trips on his YouTube channel @richardcliff3510.

Vintage & Yard Sale

Accepting Donations for Vintage and Yard Sale from April 21!
Sale Date: September 26, 2026

We will be grateful for your donations to the Vintage and Yard Sale! Acceptable items include vintage china and glass, linens, and jewelry, as well as regular household items, decorative/seasonal items, tools, toys and games. We can not accept furniture, clothes, books, artwork, and items in bad condition.

You may bring your donations on days the museum is open: every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday from noon to 4 pm. In case you have several boxes or heavy items, please come to the front desk first and ask for help/a cart! Thank you so much for supporting our fundraiser which will supply much needed income for the operation of the museum!