Who We Are and What We Do:
Mission:
Stewardship · Relevance · Inspiration.
In support of our mission, we:
- Engage the public in relevant educational programs, exhibitions and public services
- Support the preservation of historic sites and the historic legacy of the Hayward area
- Provide a place for dialogue around contemporary issues impacting our community
- Build collaborative relationships and partnerships for higher community involvement
Our goals
- Providing educational and compelling programs and events that will serve all visitors, members, and the community at the Downtown Museum, the McConaghy House, and soon at the Meek Estate
- Continued collecting and conservation of artifacts
- Ongoing restoration of the historic Meek Estate in an effort to open the house to the public
- Producing new exhibitions with broad appeal that invite visitors, local and afar, to explore our community's history
- Creating new cultural events that celebrate our diverse community
- Growing our capacity to be a center for history and culture that adds vitality to the community.
Our geographic area
We represent the region of the greater Hayward area which includes Hayward, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Mt. Eden, and Ashland.
Our vision
- An inclusive and welcoming organization
- Nurturing community dialogue through the exchange of ideas
- Fun and educational experiences for our visitors
- Long-term relationships with our community members
- Preservation of the diverse heritage of our region for future generations, including historic properties and artifacts
- Fair and open interpretation of Hayward history
- The long-term vitality of our community
Our activities
- Permanent and changing exhibitions
- School tours
- Public programs
- Special collection Research Center
- Collect, conserve, interpret, exhibit artifacts
- Museum store
Our properties
- The Downtown Museum, located at the corner of C and Main Streets in the historic Eggert Building is the headquarters for HAHS. The building houses the exhibitions, museum store, the Research Center and offices for the HAHS staff. The museum is also used for public and school group education programs.
- The McConaghy House, located on Hesperian Boulevard, is owned by the Hayward Area Parks and Recreation District (HARD) and managed by HAHS. The 1886 farmhouse is open for public tour two days a week.
- The Meek Estate, located on Hampton Road in Cherryland, is owned by HARD and managed by HAHS. The Estate is currently undergoing restoration by HAHS to its former glory in preparation for opening to the public.