Marin History Museum — Attraction in San Rafael

I sure do luv a museum. When visiting San Rafael, I dropped into the Marin History Museum. It is housed in the Boyd gate house which is a Victorian house built in 1879. So the museum size is relatively small. They utilize the space well. The exhibit rotates but all focuses on the local history. Currently the topic is Louise Boyd, the heiress to the Boyd fortune, and explorer of Greenland and the Arctic. The small but mighty museum’s current exhibit is nicely curated with artifacts, photos, written stories, and a short video about Louise Boyd’s early life, explorations, international recognition and awards, and later endowments.

I learned a lot of new things. The Boyd family was the wealthiest family in San Rafael the late 1800s, thanks due in part to Mr. John Boyd’s partnership in the gold mining company in Bodie, CA. He grew his wealth in other investments. The family’s estate (Maple Lawn) includes the gatehouse (guest house) that is now the museum. The actual estate house is the present day Elks Lodge. He and his wife had three children with only Louise reaching adulthood.

The museum permanently houses a research library with information about the city of San Rafael. Parking is street parking. The museum entry fee is $5. It is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Every first Saturday of the month is free admission day. Not sure if there are...

Grew up in Marin and passed by this building countless times but upon visiting from out of town, I had to finally see it for myself. Over the years I’ve come to appreciate all aspects of history especially local history and this place has so much to offer! The exhibits are small but very informative but I encourage folks to strike up conversations with the staff and volunteers, pick their brains over whatever it is on your mind regarding Marin County.

Laurie (hope I got the spelling right) took me to the archive room to help investigate a local legend I heard growing up about a town or lumber mill called Liberty now beneath the waters of Alpine Lake. Turns out thanks to her masterful sleuthing, the legend is mostly true! Liberty was in reality a private roadhouse and ranch that did exist where Alpine Lake is now, and whatever remains of it is beneath the water, the only clue of its existence in the name Liberty Gulch in the northern part of the lake. Local...

Located at the historic Gate House, this museum has exhibits detailing the history of the city but mostly of the Boyd Family who donated the house and park. The staff is very nice and knowledgeable about the history of the family and their...