Menlo Park Historical Association

Preserving and sharing the history of our city

Check out what's going on!

No upcoming events to display!

Blog

Who is Onetta Harris?

Many people may recognize the name, Onetta Harris, but how many understand the very important role she played in Menlo Park’s evolution?

Exhibits

How Ken Kesey and Kepler's Created Silicon Valley

Kepler's served as a beacon for intellectuals which created the perfect environment to produce Silicon Valley

The Streets of Menlo Park: Origins of the Street Names

Learn about how Alma, Middlefield, Santa Cruz, Sand Hill, Willow, Valparaiso and more got their names

Rancho de las Pulgas

Rancho de las Pulgas was a 35,240-acre (142.6 km2) 1795 Spanish land grant in present-day San Mateo County, California to José Darío Argüello.

Support our Community

The best way to lend your support is by becoming a member
Explore ways to contribute

More Information

History of Menlo Park

Menlo Park received its official name in 1854 when two Irishmen, Dennis J. Oliver and D. C. McGlynn, purchased 1,700 acres (some sources say it was 640 acres) bordering County Road, now El Camino Real, and built two houses with a common entrance.
Read more

About Us

MPHA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization made up entirely of volunteers. We were established in 1971 as an offshoot of the Friends of the Library.
Read more

Archives

Check out our many online resources including our quarterly newsletter The Gate Post, online exhibits, the vintage photo archive, and links to other great websites that showcase the history of Menlo Park.
Read more