MOAH Profile

Creating innovators of the future through inventions of the past

Profile of MOAH

The Beginning

MOAH was founded in 1990 by Frank Livermore. Frank began collecting in 1960. As his collection grew, he encountered other collectors with similar interests, and eventually this group became the nucleus of the Museum's founding group. Frank was active in Museum affairs until his death in 2000. The Museum occupied two previous sites in Palo Alto before settling in its current location.

MOAH Currently

We combine elements of history, technology and design to illustrate the evolution of technology, how and why it has influenced society from inception to the current time, and a glimpse of future expectations.

Permanent and rotating special exhibits feature MOAH's extensive collection of antiquities and selected itms from private collections not otherwise available for public display.

Classes, lectures and family-friendly events appeal to students of all ages, with many MOAH classes providing middle school students hands-on learning opportunities not readily available elsewhere.

MOAH's Goals

Collect, preserve and display historic objects and inventions that illustrate the effects and influence of innovation.

Provide educational activities that integrate history, technology and design

Show the evolution, influence and relevance of historic innovations to the technologies and society of the past and present.

Establish self-confidence in science and applied mathematics with the use of guided, hands-on experimentation to teach technical concepts.

Honor the contributions of local individuals, organizations and industries to technological history.

Present private collections not otherwise available to the public.

Provide a stimulating social and professional venue for volunteers to serve the community

Honor founder Frank Livermore's contributions and legacy to the community.

Exhibits

MOAH presents special exhibits throughout the year, highlighting significant subjects employing 19th and 20th century technologies.

Selected items from the MOAH collection are presented in the Collection Corner, also on a rotating basis.

Permanent exhibits emphasize the early 20th century, including the General Store, 1920s Kitchen and Dr. William's Office.

And the Williams House, built in 1907, creates a special ambience that enhances all the exhibits.

Museum Funding

The museum is a private non-profit organization that is supported solely by memberships, donations, and grants.

Attendance

The museum has an average of 12,000 visitors per year, plus 3000 to 6000 visitors for special holiday displays

and over 5,000 attendees at its annual Vintage Vehicles and Family Festival.

Tours

Group tours are available by appointment. Please see the Education section of this website for more information on our group tours.