MVHA's History
Founded in 1954, the Mountain View Historical Association is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Mountain View, California.
Here’s how we got started.
On September 9, 1954 a small group of long-time Mountain View residents gathered to discuss the future of their city’s past. It was a time of unprecedented growth for Mountain View. New development was changing the face of the City, and the sons and daughters of its early pioneers realized that much of their hometown’s history risked being lost and forgotten.
The small group decided to form a historical society to help preserve Mountain View’s history for future generations. The group incorporated in 1958 as the Mountain View Pioneer and Historical Association, known today as the Mountain View Historical Association.
For over 65 years, the Mountain View Historical Association has contributed in many ways toward preserving the heritage of the local area. The Association’s historical publications, including Milestones: A History of Mountain View, are the premier sources of information about local people, places and events of the past. Its markers and plaques draw attention to local historic sites. The Association participates in community events and many special occasions when information, exhibits, and speakers are requested.
Of particular importance is the Association’s irreplaceable collection of archival material, which includes scrapbooks, yearbooks, diaries, photographs, maps and other small artifacts of local significance. Prior to 1967, historical items were stored in private homes, but as more space was needed a permanent location on the second floor of the Mountain View Public Library was secured. Volunteers from the organization work to maintain, grow, and share the History Center’s archives for the benefit of the community.
The Association has long hoped to build a museum for the collection and display of larger historical artifacts and continues to seek out new places to share Mountain View’s history. For now, large artifacts owned by the organization have been loaned to other local historical museums. In 1995, the Association’s “Save the Adobe” campaign halted the demolition of the circa 1934 Adobe Building on Moffett Boulevard. The building was fully restored by the City of Mountain View in 2001, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The public is warmly welcomed to attend the Association’s quarterly events held at the historic Adobe Building. Events typically feature a guest speaker and presentation on a topic of local historic interest. The Association’s newsletter, The Mountain ReView, is issued prior to each session, and provides a preview of the upcoming event, updates on association activities, and articles of historical interest.
Mountain View has changed a great deal since the Historical Association was formed in 1954. But thanks to the foresight of the Association’s pioneer founders and the hard work of countless members, Mountain View’s rich history will not be forgotten.