The Saratoga Historical Foundation (SHF) was established in November, 1962 by Florence Russell Cunningham. It had its origins in the History Committee of the Foothill Club. Miss Cunningham, a school teacher, was vitally interested in local history and chaired the History Committee.

She was also an avid collector of Saratoga memorabilia which she donated to the Museum. At her death, she willed her collection and the money from her estate to establish a Museum for Saratoga.

Her dream of a Museum for Saratoga became a reality in 1976. The American Bicentennial Celebration provided an opportunity to relocate and renovate a historic Saratoga structure for use as a Museum. The Swanee store and the Jarboe-McWilliams House were moved to their present sites and dedicated for use as a Museum in 1976.

Our mission is to:

• To stimulate public interest in Saratoga history.
• To carry on research and collect records, pictures, artifacts and other memorabilia related to our local history.
• To maintain a Museum for the display and safe-keeping of archival material.