Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House Foundation

Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House Foundation We're two history museums in Campbell, CA! Both museums are owned and operated by the city of Campbell.

The Ainsley House, a historic house museum, was the third home of local cannery owner John Colpitts Ainsley and his wife Alcinda. The Campbell Historical Museum offers artifacts that help visitors interpret and recall the vanishing world of Santa Clara County's past.

Michael Kotowski, was a longtime resident of Campbell who was very active in the community - most notably through his ro...
09/10/2026

Michael Kotowski, was a longtime resident of Campbell who was very active in the community - most notably through his role on City Council and as Mayor. Kotowski was also a strong supporter of the Campbell Museums and drew many of the illustrations we have of the Firehouse and Ainsley House. As an artist, he drew lots of trains, with much of his artwork being used in calendars sold by Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) during the 1980s and 1990s. This 1976 artwork is of the Union Pacific 2860.

Object ID: 2007.02.0004




Did you know that in 1891, all forms of gambling were outlawed in California, except Draw Poker? It was considered a gam...
09/09/2026

Did you know that in 1891, all forms of gambling were outlawed in California, except Draw Poker? It was considered a game of skill.
Yet, that didn't stop the people of San Jose from continuing to enjoy gambling and circumventing the laws.

Learn more about San Jose's Vices on Friday, September 18, when Ted Ramos discusses his book, San Jose Gambling.

We have a few spots left: https://www.campbellmuseums.com/events-main

$25/ person
5:30-7:30 at the Ainsley Carriage House.
Light refreshments and good times will be served.

Object ID: 1981.01.0001



Groovin' in the Garden: A 70s Flashback FUNdraiserSeptember 26, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM | Ainsley House GardenGet ready to b...
09/08/2026

Groovin' in the Garden: A 70s Flashback FUNdraiser

September 26, 2026 | 6:00–9:00 PM | Ainsley House Garden

Get ready to boogie back to the 1970s at the historic Ainsley House! Join us for an evening of peace, love, and disco as we celebrate the groovy decade with live entertainment, a DJ spinning your favorite 70s hits, and plenty of dancing under the stars.

Enjoy delicious 70s-inspired appetizers, strike a pose at themed photo opportunities, and test your knowledge with fun 70s cultural trivia games. Guests can also participate in our raffle featuring exciting gift baskets, with proceeds supporting a special community improvement project.

Hosted by the Campbell Museum Foundation, this fundraiser will help transform the Ainsley House garden from water-intensive turf into a beautiful, sustainable hardscape space that can accommodate more community events while reducing water use and maintenance costs.

Retro attire is encouraged, so pull out your bell-bottoms, platform shoes, tie-dye, and disco fashions for a far-out evening in support of Campbell's history and future!

In honor of America's 250th anniversary and the historic year 1776, we're taking a playful step back to the 1970s—another unforgettable era ending in "76"! Celebrate with us as we mark this national milestone with a groovy throwback party. Tickets are just $76 per person. Purchase at campbellmuseums.com

From April 14 through May 16, 1891, President Benjamin Harrison embarked on the longest journey ever undertaken by a pre...
09/08/2026

From April 14 through May 16, 1891, President Benjamin Harrison embarked on the longest journey ever undertaken by a president at the time. According to Stanford Libraries, "The 9,232 mile rail trip lasted one month and three days. The trip was partly planned and largely financed by the former Governor of California, Leland Stanford. The pioneer railroad builder had invited the President to his ranch in Palo Alto to discuss a professorship at the newly built Stanford University"

This image is of President Harrison's procession driving through an unidentified town (originally, but incorrectly, identified as Campbell). He stayed near San Francisco from April 23 through May 4, and during that time he visited Los Gatos on May 1st.

Object ID: 2008.03.0026



Place your bets on history! Join us for a fascinating History Happy Hour with Ted Ramos as we uncover the surprising his...
09/04/2026

Place your bets on history!
Join us for a fascinating History Happy Hour with Ted Ramos as we uncover the surprising history of gambling in San Jose!
Sip, socialize, and discover a side of local history they didn't teach in school!
$25/ person
9/18/26 @ 5:30 pm
At the Ainsley House
https://trst.in/vk4AWM

This 1940 wedding portrait of Julie Kenney is too lovely not to share. We have this dress in our collection as well.Obje...
09/03/2026

This 1940 wedding portrait of Julie Kenney is too lovely not to share. We have this dress in our collection as well.

Object ID: 2006.07.0003



SAN JOSE GAMBLING History Happy Hour Talk with Ted RamosFriday, September 185:30 pm-7:30 pm$25 / purchase tickets at cam...
09/02/2026

SAN JOSE GAMBLING History Happy Hour Talk with Ted Ramos

Friday, September 18
5:30 pm-7:30 pm
$25 / purchase tickets at campbellmuseums.com

Before Silicon Valley, San Jose was known for another kind of high-stakes industry. Join local historian Ted Ramos as he explores the fascinating world of gambling in early 20th-century San Jose. Drawing from his book San Jose Gambling, Ted will uncover the stories of the gaming dens, card houses, and colorful characters that made gambling a prominent part of the city's social and economic life.

Discover how these establishments operated, who frequented them, and how gambling helped shape San Jose's development during a period of rapid growth and change.

09/01/2026

Don't forget to get your tickets to our Groovin' in the Garden, A 70s Flashback Fundraiser on Saturday, September 26 from 6pm-9pm.

Tickets are a groovy $76! That's a cool, far-out price!
https://www.campbellmuseums.com/event-details/groovin

Can't wait to see you there!

Artist's illustration of Campbell Avenue looking west from Central Avenue. Dates to around 1970s.Object ID: 2006.04.0005...
09/01/2026

Artist's illustration of Campbell Avenue looking west from Central Avenue. Dates to around 1970s.

Object ID: 2006.04.0005




Ever wanted to decorate for the holidays on a scale your living room ceiling just can’t handle? Now’s your chance!We’re ...
08/27/2026

Ever wanted to decorate for the holidays on a scale your living room ceiling just can’t handle? Now’s your chance!

We’re looking for volunteer decorators to transform Campbell’s historic Ainsley House for the 2026 holiday season. It’s completely free to participate, and you’ll get to bring your most over-the-top design dreams to life inside a stunning local landmark.

This year’s theme is Hollywood Holiday! Pick your favorite holiday film and design a room inspired by it. Movie concepts and room selections are strictly first-come, first-served—so snag your favorite cinematic scene early! 🍿🎄

How to join:
Head to campbellmuseums.com

Click the "What's On" tab and select Holidays at Ainsley House

Review the guidelines, key dates, and submit your registration form

🗓️ Application Deadline: September 23

Tag a creative friend who needs to see this!🎥✨

Address

51 N. Central Avenue
Campbell, CA
95008

Opening Hours

Friday 12pm - 4pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+14088662119

Website

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