History Museum's spring lineup includes exhibits, guest lecture

The Saratoga History Museum's latest exhibits and events include an exhibit about holiday traditions and a guest lecture about “true tales” of the Santa Clara Valley.

`Hearts, Leprechauns and Fools'

The museum's current exhibit explores 30 different holidays celebrated in Saratoga over the years, and the impact these traditions had on the community.

It features everything from Mother's Day and St. Patrick's Day to Saratoga's own Blossom Festival,

“Traditions are the stories, beliefs, customs and routines that pass to us from older generations,” said Annette Stransky, president of the Saratoga Historical Foundation. “They have been passed down in the hope of keeping the tradition alive until the next coming generations.”

The exhibit opened on Feb. 11 and runs until June, Stransky said. The museum, located at 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, is open from 1-4 p.m. on Fridays and Sundays, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. Admission is free.

`True Tales'

Author Robin Chapman will talk about her latest book, “The Valley of the Heart's Delight: True Tales from Around the Bay,” on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Foothill Club, located at 20399 Park Place.

Chapman's book is a collection of true stories about the Santa Clara Valley. Her other books include “California Apricots: The Lost Orchards of Silicon Valley” and “Historic Bay Area Visionaries.”

Chapman's talk and book signing is sponsored by the Saratoga Historical Foundation.

The talk is free to foundation members and $10 for nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased at www. saratogahistory.com.

Blacksmith exhibit

An interactive exhibit showcasing what daily life looked like for a blacksmith in the 1850s is set to open later this spring.

The exhibit will feature sound effects and a nonfunctional outhouse as part of the turn-of-the-century theme of all the structures in the Saratoga Historical Park.