Doctor Thomas Williams
| The Museum is housed in the historic residence of Dr. Thomas Williams, a prominent Palo Alto physician. Designed by noted Bay Area architect Ernest Coxhead, this English County Style home, completed in 1907, features classic Craftsman interiors utilizing native materials and an open floor plan. A large craftsman style garage was built a few years later. One wing of the home is designed as a doctor's waiting room, office, and examining room. Although Dr. Williams began his medical practice in this wing, he soon moved his office to downtown Palo Alto. Subsequently, he was joined by other physicians and they eventually formed the nucleus of the Palo Alto Medical Clinic. |
Doctor Thomas Williams |
 The Williams House, 1932 |
Dr. Williams and his wife, Dora were very social and civic-minded, and to all appearances, led a very happy life in Palo Alto. President Herbert Hoover and Stanford president Ray Lyman Wilbur could be counted among their friends. Dr. Williams died in 1947, his wife only one year later. Their two daughters, Rhona and Betty, remained single and lived together in the home their entire lives. When the last member of the family, Rhona, died in 1989 she left the property to the City of Palo Alto, stipulating that it be made available as a public park or for cultural purposes. |
| The Museum of American Heritage, founded in 1985, had operated in two other locations in Palo Alto before being selected as the occupant of the Williams House by the City of Palo Alto. The Museum Board of Directors and staff raised almost $700,000 to restore the property and construct a new learning center in the rear. The Museum of American Heritage, now in its permanent home, opened its doors in April 1998. The Palo Alto Historical Association and the Palo Alto Stanford Heritage organization also maintain offices in the building. |
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This page last updated: August 12, 2011 |