The Personal is Political: Symbolism in Crazy Quilts
Was there a meaning behind the aesthetic iconography used to compose the Victorian crazy quilts? Could they be a memento of an occasion, a visit to a faraway place, or a personal emblem? What did the maker signify by choosing certain symbols, and how were those symbols received by the viewer?
A MEMOIR, Arthur Tadashi Hayashi
Mr. Hayashi recalls his early days growing up in Alameda’s Japantown and how his life and that of his community was forever altered in 1941. The author originally penned this memoir for his children. The Alameda Museum received a floppy disk and a printed copy of the story in 2006. The recent conversion of museum archives to a digital format has made it possible to share his story with you.
Alameda Museum
Preserving Alameda’s History since 1948
Alameda Museum is open to the public on weekends, except holidays.
Hours: Saturday 11AM – 4PM. Sunday 1:30PM – 4PM
Masks will be required of all visitors, and hand sanitizer will be available. The public restroom will remain closed.
Alameda is a unique island community located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area. We offer permanent displays of Alameda history as well as souvenirs, books and videos about the rich history of the Island City. The Alameda Historical Society was founded in 1948, and the Museum was established in 1951. In 1983 the Alameda Museum was designated as the official repository of historical documents and artifacts for the City of Alameda. In that role, the Alameda Museum affords us an invaluable glimpse into this city’s spectacular and often glamorous history. Tour the museum and learn more about our Island’s history. We hope you will include Alameda and the Alameda Museum in your next visit to the San Francisco Bay Area.
Support Alameda Museum
Please consider joining the Museum and help preserve and celebrate the colorful past of this unique island city. Members enjoy four issues of the Museum Quarterly, free admission to lectures by local luminaries, and advance notice of special events such as the Alameda Legacy Home Tour and happenings at the Meyers House.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to Alameda Museum, you may make your contribution securely via PayPal using your credit card if you click on the ‘Donate’ button below.
Our tax ID is #94-2464751.
Become a Member! Museum Legacy Society
To donate items to the collection or gift shop, please call for an appointment or email [email protected]
Meyers House & Garden
The Meyers House is open to the Public on the fourth Saturday of every month, except holiday weekends.
Hours: 1PM – 4PM. Last tour starts at 3PM. $5 admission, cash only.
We will be open to the public on Saturday, August 27. Last tour 3 PM
Masks will be required of all visitors, and hand sanitizer will be available.
We host special events throughout the year and tours of the historic Meyers House & Garden. Alameda’s Historical Monument #26, The Meyers House was built in 1897 by architect Henry Meyers. Located on a tree-lined residential street in the bayside town of Alameda, the grounds of the Meyers House offer a beautiful and unique period venue for you to enjoy. The house is also available for private group tours.
The Meyers House is open each month on the fourth Saturday from 1-4PM. Your $5 admission includes a docent tour of the Meyers House Museum, a visit to a large display of Alameda house styles and details, and a glimpse into Henry Meyer’s architectural studio.
Vintage Shop
Our eclectic shop contains a variety of undiscovered treasures, from books to furniture to jewelry to exotic, one-of-a-kind ephemera. All of it is reasonably priced, and all proceeds go to benefit the Museum. Please contact us if you’re interested in donating your surplus items! We also feature an exclusive selection of books, maps and videos about Alameda history in the shop.
Items we DO NOT accept: Electronics, kitchen appliances, used clothing (vintage pieces considered), large furniture pieces (please contact us regarding all furniture).
Volunteer Your Time
The Alameda Museum and the Meyers House & Garden would not be open without our volunteers. From the docents who greet and inform visitors, to the hard workers keep the Museum and Meyers House & Garden in shape, to those working in the archives, the crews who put on Estate Sales, and those who help with our lectures, volunteers are essential to all our operations. We are always looking for new volunteers who are willing to share their time with us and our visitors to both the Museum and the Meyers House & Garden. All ages welcome!
Whether just a couple of hours a month or whatever fits your schedule best, we would love your help. Please click the button below and fill out the form if you are interested.
Become a Volunteer!
Sponsors and Donors
We thank the following sponsors, contributors, and donors:
- City of Alameda
- East Bay Community Foundation
- Alameda Community Fund
- Rotary Club
- Our Members
- and Donors of objects and funds