LOS ALTOS, CA (Sept 1, 2026) – As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, the expertise of museums, public historians, and scholars is increasingly being called into question, raising important conversations about how our nation’s history is researched, interpreted, and presented. Los Altos History Museum invites the public to go behind the scenes and learn how the Museum approaches this work—from developing exhibitions to determining which stories to tell, which artifacts to display, and why.
In “Curating America’s 250th,” Museum Curator and Director of Exhibitions Dr. Amy Ellison will offer a look at the creation of The Spirit of ’76: Reflecting on America’s 250th. The program will be held on Wednesday, September 16, from 5:30 – 7:00 pm, both in person at the Museum and via Zoom.
“Museums have historically been considered one of the most trusted, nonpartisan sources of information in the country. Recently, that trust has been undermined and museum credibility called into question,” said Dr. Ellison. “We aim to be transparent and to earn that trust by showing people the thinking behind our exhibits and programs.”
Dr. Ellison earned her PhD in History from Boston University and has held curatorial and research positions at the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Museum of Art. She was a guest curator for The Declaration’s Journey, a blockbuster exhibition commemorating America’s 250th at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia.
The Spirit of ’76: Reflecting on America’s 250th is on display at the Museum through November 8, 2026.
Admission to the program is $15, or free for Museum members. Registration required at losaltoshistory.org/curating250th.
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
