Saratoga Historical Foundation

New Zoom Lecture: "Patchwork History The People's Bicentennial Quilt"

The Saratoga Historical foundation Is featuring "Patchwork History-- the People's Bicentennial Quilt" a lecture by Connie Young Yu.

The quit was created for the bicentennial. In 1976. Each woman was asked to create a square for the quilt that meant something to her. The square was hand sewn , made of cotton pieces and measured 71 inches by 129 inches. Each square was created by a different woman.

Topics were varied - Harpers ferry, Equal Schooling for the South, and Women Hold Up Half the Sky to mention a few. The quilt is on display at the International Quilt Study Center Museum in Nebraska.

"Patchwork History," by Connie Young Yu, published in 2010 by the Saratoga Historical Foundation, is the revised version of a book titled The People's Bicentennial Quilt. It is about a quilt made by a group of women from diverse backgrounds in celebration of the Bicentennial, 1976, with historical background on each square.

Connie will discuss the themes of the People's Bicentennial Quilt as we approach the 250^th anniversary of our nation.

The talk will be on Zoom on April 22 at 7:00 PM and can be seen by clicking on the link below. The talk is free and open to the public.

Click here to join the lecture.

The Saratoga Historical Foundation can be reached by going up to www.saratogahistory.com or calling 408-867-4311.

Tracing its Roots

Trace Saratoga's colorful history from the Muwekma Ohlone Indians, early lumbermills, fertile prune orchards, dancing champagne fountains of Paul Masson to the present stately charm of the area through the exhibits. Special exhibits are set up regularly—so there's a reason to return time and time again.

Art, Artists and More

Saratoga takes pride in its legendary residents—Senator Phelan who created the famed Villa Montalvo's center of arts; Isabel Stine who built the lovely Hakone gardens; Theodore Wores, a famous plein air artist known for capturing the beauty of Santa Clara valley; Kathleen Norris, prolific writer of novels; vintner Paul Masson; actresses Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine and more! Several of the local buildings were designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan.

Historical Figures

The legacy of historical figures can be found throughout Saratoga. Mary Brown, wife of abolitionist John Brown, lived in Saratoga for several years and is buried in historic Madronia Cemetery. "Sunshine" Williams, founder of the famous Saratoga Blossom Festival was one of the original members of the Sempervirens Club who proposed Big Basin become a state park; Riley Septimus Moutrey, one of the "heroes" who rescued members of the Donner Party in 1847; and Augustus J. Dowd who discovered the Calaveras Big Tree Grove in 1852.

Walk or Ride

The museum offers docent-led walking tours by calling 408-867-4311. See charming 100-year old homes, historic Oak Street School, the World War I Memorial Arch and more. A self-guided historic home bicycling tour is also available with the map available online or at the Museum.

Visit the Museum Gift Shop

Stop by the Museum gift shop and see the new book from Author and Lecturer Robin Chapman: The Valley of Heart's Delight — the True Tales from Around the Bay.

The Museum Gift Shop has copies of the hard to find Florence Cunningham's Saratoga's First Hundred Years along with over 20 other books on local history, postcards, notecards, and more. You'll also find books on the town fire department, autobiographies of local citizens, and beautiful artwork for sale.

Gift shop hours: Friday & Sunday 1–4 PM; Saturdays 10 AM–4 PM

Re-live History Next Door

Next door to the museum is the McWilliams House, also a historical landmark. Built in 1852, the McWilliams House offers a snapshot of how the McWilliams family (with five girls) lived during the 1800s. Completely restored, it is used for educational programs for both adults and children. The McWilliams blacksmith has interesting tools a blacksmith would use. Audiovisual films also show the blacksmith's work. A favorite point of interest and photo site is the one-room schoolhouse located next door.