Alameda Historical Museum

An Insight Into The Complex Persona That Is Alameda!SITREPYou'd almost miss this side street storefront if you just focused on nearby Tomantino or some of the other stores. But the Alameda Historical Museum is a treasured jewel amongst the business of downtown Alameda.THE SETUPSeparated into several distinct rooms, the museum lends itself well into separate areas of focus. I quite enjoyed the rooms dedicated to cinematic memorabilia with old movie posters. There was also an area right as you walk in that some great historical bicycles.CONTEMPORARY LOCAL ARTWhat was great was seeing some of the works of local school kids being featured on the wall, giving the museum a very contemporary connection to the community at large. FEATURESFrom time to time, there are some elegant exhibitions that feature local history ("Neptune Beach") and local icons ("Phyllis Diller Day") - all of these unique presentations bring out the history of Alameda in a very lively fashion.PARKINGAlong the nearby streets and in the lot across the street, there is parking that has a 2-Hour Limit, with 10 minutes per quarter. It's worth noting since the Parking Enforcement Officer was lurking nearby as we came to the museum and we saw them again as we left 1-Hour later. So we made sure to put quarters in.THE LOWDOWNA delightful romp through the history of Alameda!

This is probably the coolest place in Alameda. The staff are very knowledgeable and happy to answer questions. The Museum is much bigger on the inside than you would think. They have lots of vintage and antique things for sale, including a madeleine baking tray that was in great condition! The prices are very reasonable for this area. If you're looking for vintage jewelry, dolls, furniture, or just a cool place to learn about the rich history of Alameda, this is it!

This is such a great museum and of all the small local museums I've been visiting recently this is with out doubt my favorite.

I loved this place. Take a trip down memory lane (just kidding, like any of us actually REMEMBER those times) and experience ol' timey Alameda. It's free but you can afford donating something I'd say its definitely worth it.It's so cool I wish it was a little bigger!

Very cool and interesting museum in Downtown Alameda. Yes, it is free of charge but there is also a gift shop incorporated into the building that sells a variety of vintage items. I actually got confused where the museum actually started and eventually figured it out. So much to see, and the floor space is not super big, but just right to accommodate all the wonderful artifacts, historical items, and photos.

This place was cool to come across. There is nice displays to look at but would be cooler if the docents got up behind the counter to explain how and when they get their items. Or even the history story behind it.It is free to walk in and look around and they have furniture for sale in a separate area from museum and a second hand gift shop.

It's worth seeing the exhibit of "Neptune Beach", a huge amusement park that existed on the shoreline of Alameda from 1917 to 1939.

If you live here and haven't stopped by, you are missing out on some fabulous slices of Alamedia [Alamediana?] to anecdotally impress your friends with. It's free [though of course you will want to make a donation because these places are always run sheerly on the love and enthusiasm of charming older ladies] and right around the corner from Tucker's, so you can have ice cream afterwards. There's also a small antique sale area in front, Alameda souvenirs/coffee table books, and they have regular lectures, house tours, etc.

I love to visit the Alameda Museum. It has some wonderful exhibits of Alameda's past. Many Alamedans don't know about the history of their Island. They don't know that it was part of a Spanish land grant and was originally three small towns and so much more. There is so much to learn. I go to the Museum at least once a month just to catch up and what's new and to see the changing exhibits.

Really great historical museum and it's free! Though I would suggest a donation would be nice. Has great displays and special exhibits. Very helpful volunteer staff. An added bonus is a small "thrift" shop in front which has great items at more than reasonable prices. A real gem of a place to visit.