FAQ
Q: What hours are you open?
The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm. We are happy to provide school and group tours too. Please contact the Education Department at (510) 581-0223 for more information.
Q: Is there an admission fee?
Admission to the museum is FREE; however donations are always welcome and appreciated.
Q: What will I find when I visit the museum?
The Downtown Museum is home to a variety of exhibits, a Research Center, a Gift Shop and the Curiosity Clubhouse. You can explore local history in our permanent exhibit or explore a variety of topics relating to Hayward area history through our rotating exhibits. Our temporary exhibits change every three to four months bringing new and exciting topics to catch your interest. Our library and archival collections are housed in the Research Center which is open to the public. Items related to both the exhibits and local history can be found in our Gift Shop. We also have an area dedicated to teaching children how fun history can be. In the Curiosity Clubhouse children can explore and play with a variety of objects and books related to both local history and the topics of our rotating exhibits.
Q: When is the Research Center open?
The Research Center is available by appointment only Monday through Friday and for drop-ins on Saturdays from 11am – 4 pm. To make an appointment, please call 510-581-0223 and ask for an archivist or email info@haywardareahistory.org at least 24 hours in advance.
Q: What was the museum building used for originally?
The building was built in 1927 to house Hayward’s first post office. It remained the post office until the Bradford Station post office (on C Street across from the library) was built as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) programs in 1936.
Q: Do you rent the museum out for events?
No, unfortunately due to the small size of the space we do not rent the facility out for events.
Q: Do you rent the McConaghy House out for events or other purposes?
We do not rent the McConaghy House out for special events.
Q: Do you rent the Meek Estate out for special events or other purposes?
We do not rent the Meek Estate out for events or other purposes at this time as it is undergoing restoration.
Q: Can I reserve a picnic spot at Meek Park?
Yes, you can. Please contact the Hayward Parks and Recreation District (HARD), which operates the park, at (510) 881-6700 to reserve your spot.
Q: How do I become a member of HAHS?
There are a few ways you can do this. Membership forms can be picked up from the front desk at the museum. You may fill it out then and there and pay for it in the gift shop OR take it home, fill it out and mail it in. If you forgot to pick up a membership form, please contact us and we would be happy to send you one. For more information about membership please visit our Join page for more details or contact our Development Director.
Q: What is Adobe Trails?
It is our quarterly newsletter. As a member it is mailed to you every three months. It contains articles on local history and updates on happenings at the museum.
Q: How is HAHS funded?
Our funding comes from memberships, donations, sponsors and grants. By purchasing memberships and/or making even a small donation you too can help HAHS.
Q: What is the relationship between HAHS and the City of Hayward?
HAHS does not receive any monetary support from the City of Hayward. HAHS rents the historic Eggert Building from the City for our Downtown Museum.
Q: How do I donate something to the museum collection?
All potential donations must go through our Collections Manager, for three-dimensional objects, or our Archivist, for paper items. Please visit our Collections page and our Wish List to find out more.
Q: Is McConaghy House or the Meek Estate available for commercial photo shoots?
Yes, on a case by case basis. Please contact the Collections Manger for information on availability and use fees.