Museum Exhibits

Painless Parker

On view: September 15, 2023 - December 2023

Wineries in Cupertino

On view: March 17, 2023 - Present

A small hallway display case along with explanatory signs hanging on the wall illustrates the story of the many wineries along Montebello Road that winds its way up the mountains west of Cupertino. It is available for viewing anytime the Quinlan center is open. Typically, 8am – 5pm Monday through Friday and during any special weekend events.

Valentines & Stepping Out in 1880

On view: February 14, 2023 - September 2023

The garments and accessories a woman in the late Victorian era would use to get ready for a social outing such as a cotillion dance or a theater performance (movie theaters had not yet arrived). Up until the 1950s ladies felt required to wear a hat and gloves. Hat pins and handkerchiefs were also needed. The black dress on display has a waist level bow with pockets for giving and receiving calling cards. Our sailor in an early 1900’s uniform stands ready to escort any lady. His rank is of a Petty Officer Second Class and his rating is of a Storekeeper (crossed keys).

2023 Valentines Exhibit Tour

CUPERTINO: From The Ohlone To Crossroads To Incorporation

On view: October 2021 - Present

Watch the history of early Cupertino unfold in this exhibit about the story of Cupertino before it was incorporated as a city. The exhibit traces the natural history of the area and early Native American settlements through the “Crossroads” and Incorporation of the City in 1955. Explore artifacts, original documents, and photographs paired with the incomparable pen and ink drawings of Cupertino’s own artist Pete Emig as you find yourself in pre-1950s Cupertino.

Homage To The Information Technology Revolution: 1975 To 1985

On view: June 2019 - September 2021

The exhibition told the story of visionaries and entrepreneurs who, between 1975 and 1985, turned digital breakthroughs into a cultural revolution. During the next 30 years, this group of pioneers, championing what they called the “noble cause,” making information accessible to everyone. We are grateful for the opportunity to display these rare artifacts brought to us by our Italian benefactor, Marco Boglione.

On opening day

The exhibit also had audio explanations.

A stylized Commodore 64 image from the loaning museum.

A series of video interviews with the players of the time —including John Sculley, Allan Alcorn, Daniel Kottke, Jack Tramiel, Chuck Peddle, Lee Felsenstein, and Steve Wozniak— took visitors through the exhibition’s machines that made the history of the IT Revolution. Among them, the Programma 101 (Italy, Olivetti, 1965) and a very rare Apple-1 (USA, Apple, 1976) complete with its original kit: the only “survivor” (there are no other examples known) with the original box sent from the Los Altos garage at Steve Jobs parents’ house, the original invoice featuring “Steven” as the salesman, a personal letter from Mr. Jobs to the customer and one of the first BASIC tapes without an Apple logo. For the first time in its history, the toolbox Steve Wozniak used to assemble the Apple-1 was on display with his creation. The teaser trailer for the exhibit is here.

Here is a detailed presentation on the exhibit entitled "The BasicNet archive telling the story of the IT revolution" by Cecilia Botta

John Doyle's Las Palmas Winery

On view: July 2011 - July 2012

This new exhibit uncovers the rich wine history of early Cupertino. Join us this summer and learn more about John Doyle and his state of the art winery.

Valley Of Heart's Delight

On view: September 2011 - October 8, 2011

Come learn about Cupertino’s agricultural past. Learn more about when we were called the Valley of Heart’s Delight instead of Silicon Valley.

California Woman Suffrage Centennial

On view: August 2011 - December 2011

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the woman’s right to vote in California. Our special thanks go out to Darlene Thorne for the use of her beautiful postcards

Cupertino Historical Society & Museum