Saratoga Historical Foundation

The mission of the Saratoga Historical foundation is to preserve the unique history for the education and enjoyment of the community.The Saratoga Historical Foundation delivered three lectures as part of our historical lecture series: Past and Present Farms in Santa Clara Valley with Noted orchardist Andy Mariani; The Valley of Hearts Delight: True Tales Around the Bay with Author Robin Chapman; From the Historic Heritage to the Vast Valley FloorA Postcard History of the Paul Masson Winery with Postcard Historians Alice Van Ommeren and Gail Unzelman; and Big Basin Redwood Forest and Californias Oldest Park, by author Dr. Traci Bliss. Three exhibits were delivered Hearts, Leprechauns and Fools focusing on over 30 holidays held in the US; Strike While the Iron is Hot on the work of the blacksmith during the 1850s and Forging a New Community highlighting the work of the blacksmith in 1850 in the lobby of the Saratoga Library for 3 months. President Annette Stransky gave two presentations the communityFoothill Club received a presentation on the work of the blacksmith and the Saratoga Library on the history of the Saratoga library. The Blossom Festival, a community wide festival with historic roots, was produced by the Saratoga Historical Foundation in the Heritage Orchard, Civic Center Courtyard, and Warren Hutton Heritage House. The festival included antique cars, handmade crafts, gourmet food trucks, petting zoo and history displays. Two fundraisers were held: Mah Jong party and dinner and tour of San Jose History Park. Three information tables were organized offering information on Saratoga Historical Foundation:4th of July celebration, Classic Car event and the State of the City. Walking Tours are available of our historic village. We also launched a new tourHistoric Oak Street. Other activities include photographing and managing donations of artifacts to our inventory records. An 8 page newsletter was delivered five times including interesting articles on California history and events. Holiday Reception3 volunteers and special treats provided for this event. Significant achievement was the completion of the 40 blacksmith exhibit. The addition of this building will please our education program as well as our older members. Education ProgramThe education program provided 8 days of Pioneer Living Classes. These classes take place in the museum, McWilliams House, one-room schoolhouse and patio. Towards the end of the year we had 3 more classes that included the blacksmith exhibit. Another highlight was for the first time we provided the Saratoga High School with a class for special education. Additionally the education team participated in Diversity Day at Los Gatos Museum with 7 other museums.