Marin History Museum

Grew up in Marin and passed by this building countless times but upon visiting from out of town, I had to finally see it for myself. Over the years I’ve come to appreciate all aspects of history especially local history and this place has so much to offer! The exhibits are small but very informative but I encourage folks to strike up conversations with the staff and volunteers, pick their brains over whatever it is on your mind regarding Marin County. Laurie (hope I got the spelling right) took me to the archive room to help investigate a local legend I heard growing up about a town or lumber mill called Liberty now beneath the waters of Alpine Lake. Turns out thanks to her masterful sleuthing, the legend is mostly true! Liberty was in reality a private roadhouse and ranch that did exist where Alpine Lake is now, and whatever remains of it is beneath the water, the only clue of its existence in the name Liberty Gulch in the northern part of the lake. Local history is awesome!

Located at the historic Gate House, this museum has exhibits detailing the history of the city but mostly of the Boyd Family who donated the house and park. The staff is very nice and knowledgeable about the history of the family and their famous daughter.

I sure do luv a museum. When visiting San Rafael, I dropped into the Marin History Museum. It is housed in the Boyd gate house which is a Victorian house built in 1879. So the museum size is relatively small. They utilize the space well. The exhibit rotates but all focuses on the local history. Currently the topic is Louise Boyd, the heiress to the Boyd fortune, and explorer of Greenland and the Arctic. The small but mighty museum’s current exhibit is nicely curated with artifacts, photos, written stories, and a short video about Louise Boyd’s early life, explorations, international recognition and awards, and later endowments. I learned a lot of new things. The Boyd family was the wealthiest family in San Rafael the late 1800s, thanks due in part to Mr. John Boyd’s partnership in the gold mining company in Bodie, CA. He grew his wealth in other investments. The family’s estate (Maple Lawn) includes the gatehouse (guest house) that is now the museum. The actual estate house is the present day Elks Lodge. He and his wife had three children with only Louise reaching adulthood. The museum permanently houses a research library with information about the city of San Rafael. Parking is street parking. The museum entry fee is $5. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Every first Saturday of the month is free admission day. Not sure if there are public restrooms.

The Marin History Museum in San Rafael is a great attraction for history lovers. It is walking distance from downtown San Rafael, CA.

Stopped by the Marin History Museum for the fantastic new exhibit, 1973! Those of you who grew up in Marin and are a certain age will REALLY appreciate the photos and the stories of Marincello, Mrs. Terwilligar, and the days of peacock feathers etc.

Another beautiful old house in San Rafael. Great to learn about the lady that owned the house and her adventures

Our local history here in Marin is often a neglected subject, especially in schools. The Marin History Museum is an absolutely vital place for anyone young and old wanting to learn more about the area they live in and its rich history.

Small house most of which is dedicated to an exhibit to Louise Boyd, daughter of the former owner of the property.

Fascinating for history students...rare finds...travel far...in Bay Area...house museum with Maple Lawn building...Elk's Lodge? Downtown San Rafael has a main street with shops and restaurants...like old times...fun...anytime really...it's not hard to visit some parts of outer Bay Area counties...this area has access with the transit center buses that go out of the bridge area...nice adventure...some people are ignorant of buses...sometimes buses are a better to way to transport...house museums are in all directions NWSE...etc...this one is different...it says that the daughter was a polar photographer, geographer, and went on expeditions...related to Canada etc...really wonderful time to visit the history house...quiet community...scholarly...athletic...

MHM has some excellent programs, both over zoom and in person. I attended Jo Haraf's discussion of her book Murder, Marriage, and Betrayal, set mostly in Marin--Novato, San Rafael, Olompali--and learned so much about the founders of Marin County and it's early history. Marcy's walking tours sound fantastic, and since they are outside, they should be within covid protocols. Now that part of the collection is back in it's beautiful home in downtown San Rafael, it's more accessible. Reach out.

This place is the little museum that could! While the facility is limited in display space and content, the staff here makes the best with what they have available in a very professional presentation. in addition to their display on trains, this museum has a FANTASTIC series of aerial photographs of early Marin County which are fascinating! It would be fun to play "try to spot your house" but for the most part, a lot of the areas weren't developed yet. There are rumors that they are going to be opening an exhibition on Marin musicians, in a sort of 'hall of fame" type format, so this will provide some interesting visits in the future as well.

This is a wonderful little museum. The staff person on duty when we visited today was so sweet and kind. She gave a very enthusiastic and detailed orientation to the history of the Boyd family (former owners of the property), the museum building itself and the garden/grounds and the main mansion. The current exhibit concerns San Quentin State Prison, Marin's Police and first responders and also Marin Counties judiciary. It's very well done indeed. I highly recommend visiting this lovely museum and gardens.

While the outside of this one time residence is quite attractive I was disappointed that after paying the $10 entrance fee that you are not allowed to go upstairs or downstairs and that there are only four rooms on the main floor which you can look into and one of those rooms is the "gift shop". The rooms consist of many photographs with limited descriptions. The historical contexts and descriptions were unfulfilling. I was done after 10 minutes. When I asked to use the restroom I was advised to use the outhouse in the park next door which was swarming with homeless people. The outhouse was disgusting. Unless they make it free admission you are wasting your money.