Current Exhibitions

The Golden Gate Bridge - An Icon that Changed Marin

Open January 28th through September 1st. The year 2012 marks the 75th anniversary of the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. In celebration of this great event a grand exhibition will be on display at the Boyd Gate House telling the story of how this large iconic bridge changed Marin's destiny. Built in 1937, the bridge was designed to create a quick and efficient way to cross between Marin County and San Francisco. It would also soon come to help with the ever expanding population of San Francisco, and turn Marin County into a destination. Come see the historical photographs of the construction of the Bridge from the Moulin Studios, as well as photos from local photographer Jeffrey Floyd. Also on display are artifacts related to the bridge from community members and the Museum's personal collection. Don't forget to visit this celebrated event coming this January.

Marin at War!

The United States military played a prominent role in the development and growth of Marin County. Our unique landscape provided the military with creative defensive positions against enemy attacks. MHM's latest exhibition Marin At War! explains the role Marin played defending our home front as well as being an essential base for the wars in the Pacific. The exhibition begins with Marin’s earliest military efforts in the Mexican-American War and the Civil War, through the turn of the century, into WWI and WWII, and in our more current efforts abroad in the foreign wars. Don’t miss this exciting exhibition of military history at the Boyd Gate House, open Tuesday through Saturday 11 am – 4 pm. More information available by calling (415)-454-8538

Marin IJ: 150 Years of Ink

This year marks the 150 anniversary of the first publication of the Marin IJ newspaper on March 23, 1861. In partnership with the Marin IJ, the Marin History Museum presents an exhibition celebrating the newspapers many years of County news reporting. The Marin IJ is a union of two historic community newspapers - The Marin Journal and the San Rafael Independent. Their motto - "to be devoted to foreign and domestic news, literature, agriculture and its interests of Marin County" has not changed since their first printing. This exhibition, open until next spring, will feature the story of how the Marin IJ became what it is today, how much work is done to create a well informed newspaper each day, and a selection of artifacts related to the Marin IJ on display for visitors to enjoy. Please visit the Marin History Museum exhibition galleries at the Boyd Gate House to learn about the history of the Marin IJ. For open hours and location please visit our website – www.marinhistory.org or call 415-454-8538.

Louise A. Boyd: Heiress & Explorer

The Marin History Museum celebrates Louise Arner Boyd as heiress and explorer in the exhibition Louise A. Boyd: Heiress & Explorer at the Boyd Gate House. Come discover the woman described by the press as "Arctic Diana" and "The Girl Who Tamed the Arctic." This exhibition examines the dual life of Louise Boyd: as a woman of privilege, inheritor of the Bodie Gold Bonanza of 1877, and as explorer, spearheading seven scientific voyages to the Arctic. She was a paradox, yet able to slip from one lifestyle to the other with grace. Come to the Marin History Museum's Boyd Gate House, originally part of Louise Boyd's estate, and learn the fascinating history of a local legend.

Find out more about Louise A. Boyd

Upcoming Exhibitions

Marin's Criminal History!

Coming August 2012 - Next year marks the 160th anniversary of San Quentin prison and the Museum will be celebrating by bringing you it's history as well as the history of Marin's police force, fire departments, sheriffs, judges, and many more organizations that make Marin a safe place.

Marin Rocks

Marin County has served as the muse for some of the greatest rock legends and anthems in music history. Marin Rocks explores the Marin music scene, beginning in the 1960s when Marin’s musicians, recording studios and clubs gained international attention.