LOS ALTOS, CA (Jan 20, 2026) – Los Altos History Museum will present a newly created exhibition, “10,000 Memories: Partition, Independence, and WWII in South Asia,” on display Jan 29 – May 24, 2026, illuminating the largely unknown story of the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan.
Inspired by the book 10,000 Memories, the exhibition was developed in collaboration with The 1947 Partition Archive, a Berkeley-based nonprofit. Debuting in Los Altos before traveling statewide and beyond, the exhibition features first-hand accounts, photographs, and multimedia storytelling from those who experienced Partition, or whose family lived through it.
Following the fall of the British Indian Empire and the creation of India and Pakistan, millions were displaced amid widespread violence. “What motivated this exhibition was the lack of understanding of this huge history of WWII in South Asia,” said Dr. Guneeta Singh Bhalla, Executive Director of The 1947 Partition Archive and a descendant of a Partition survivor. “Unlike other WWII atrocities, the Partition remained unmemorialized until The 1947 Partition Archive stepped in to preserve its history. We wanted to make sure it wasn’t forgotten.”
The exhibition explores the fall of the British Empire, the rise of communal violence, and the impact of polarization—issues that resonate today. “We need to learn from it to prevent a tragic crescendo of hatred,” Dr. Bhalla said. “Partition is an important but overlooked chapter of world history—especially in South Asia, a region from where many of our local residents hail.”
Programs in support of the exhibition include:
- “Oral History Workshop” Jan 21, 5:30-7pm.
- “Interpreting the Partition through Poetry and Art” Feb 18, 5:30-7pm. (Rescheduled to May 20)
- “Book Talk” Mar 18, 5:30-7pm.
- “Voices of Partition” Apr 15, 5:30-7pm. (Cancelled)
Registration required for all programs. For additional information, visit losaltoshistory.org/partition.
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 hohttp://https//losaltoshistory.orgurs. 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
