Los Altos, CA, June 1, 2017. – The Los Altos History Museum is proud to announce an upcoming mini/pop-up exhibit of artifacts from the Museum’s collection related to Troop 37 in the downstairs library room of the J. Gilbert Smith House. The display will be open during the Museum’s hours from Thursday, June 22 through Sunday, July 2.
“We are pleased that our archives and holdings includes so much information about this central civic organization. Troop 37 has been a part of the lives of many former and current Los Altos fathers and sons and its important role is well documented in the Museum’s collection,” observed Dr. Elisabeth I. Ward, Executive Director of the Los Altos History Museum. Among those leaders mentored through this troop are the late U.S. Senator Alan Cranston and more recently former mayor, Jared Fishpaw.
One hundred years ago, the troop was known as Troop 1. It was formed just seven years after the Boys Scouts of America was founded on February 8, 1910. General Baden-Powell founded the first scout troop in London in 1908. The Los Altos group is one of the oldest troops in the country. The first scout meetings were held upstairs in the current US Bank building at the corner of Main and Second Street. During its 100-year run, Troop 37 has “delivered hundreds of thousands of service hours and community projects across the town,” said Eric Schmidt, the troop’s Outdoor Committee Chairman.
Those projects include helping with the Rotary Club of Los Altos’ Fine Art in the Park, the Festival of Lights Parade, the Los Altos Arts & Wine Festival and the New Year’s Day Fun Run, along with restoration projects at Redwood Grove, Shoup Park and other locations throughout Los Altos.
Among the artifacts found in the Museum’s collections are Boy Scout uniforms from the 1940s, photos of the Troop in Yosemite in 1923, the Roster of Troop 37 from 50 years ago, when it celebrated its 50th anniversary, and information about the building of Scout Hall in downtown Los Altos. A portrait of the founder of the troop, Herman Peters, painted by our beloved Anne Knapp Fitz, will be on display during the pop-up exhibition, along with other material.
Troop 37, known as the Kayak troop, will begin its celebratory festivities with a picnic at Egan Middle School reuniting current and former Troop 37 families and volunteers. This picnic is open to everyone who has been involved with the troop over these past years. The 100-year celebration extends over the next year and will culminate with a banquet in 2018. Anyone may register for the anniversary festivities at: troop37losaltos.com/Home/100thCelebration.aspx
The Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the J. Gilbert Smith House historic farmhouse, built in 1905. In 2001, the Los Altos History Museum opened its modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
The Museum and J. Gilbert Smith House are open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4 pm. Admission is free. 4pm. The gardens, outdoor agricultural exhibits and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, go to www.losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
Media Contact: Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum: Elisabeth Ward, 650.948.9427 x10, eward@losaltoshistory.org
