LOS ALTOS, CA (Dec 2, 2025) – Los Altos History Museum will open a new display, “Portraits of Los Altos,” documenting early individuals and families through historic portraits, paintings, and sculpture. The installation, located in the Community Corner within the Museum’s Permanent Exhibition, opens Thursday, December 18, at noon.
“Some of the people highlighted include community members such as the Duvenecks and the Landels;, farming families like the Brubakers, the Furuichis and the Smiths; and lesser-known families including the McKenzies, Blieblers, and Snyders,” said the Curator of Collections, Sophia Lujan. “And of course, Anna Knapp Fitz will be featured.”
Fitz served as the inspiration for the exhibit. The Museum’s collection includes several terracotta busts sculpted by the local artist, along with portraits she painted of community members. “This got me thinking whether we had photographs of the same people Anna painted and sculpted,” Lujan said.
The display invites visitors to “meet” the past residents and consider whether portraiture is still relevant today in documenting family history—even as the tools and techniques for capturing likenesses have evolved.
The Museum is open Thursday – Sunday, noon to 4pm, and will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s.
Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the historic J. Gilbert Smith House, built in 1905 on 14+ acres of apricot orchards planted by Mr. Smith. In 2001, Los Altos History Museum opened the 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 is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Admission is free. Tours of the J. Gilbert Smith House are available during open hours. The outdoor agricultural exhibit, gardens and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For more information, visit: losaltoshistory.org, email hello@losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.
Media Contact: Marketing@losaltoshistory.org
Los Altos History Museum: Diane Holcomb, 650.948.9427 x14, dholcomb@losaltoshistory.org
