Current Exhibit
From Earthquakes to Epidemics
How Disasters Transform California's People and Places
May 22 - September 20
Living in California means living with natural disasters, and as climate change accelerates we experience more frequent and more intense disasters. Their impact on Californians varies widely, depending not only on location but also upon socioeconomic factors such as race and wealth.From Earthquakes to Epidemics explores the impact of natural and man-made disasters and pandemics in California, using the humanities as a lens to give context to the impacts of recent and historic disasters in the Golden State.
Stories within the exhibit represent the entire state of California, and reflect historic and contemporary issues. From fires to floods, from earthquakes to droughts, from the 1918 flu to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors will learn about major events in California’s history, and how many disasters actually inspired positive changes within our communities.
Stories within the exhibit represent the entire state of California, and reflect historic and contemporary issues. From fires to floods, from earthquakes to droughts, from the 1918 flu to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitors will learn about major events in California’s history, and how many disasters actually inspired positive changes within our communities.
Incarcerated firefighter at the Rim fire in Stanislaus National Forest, 2013. US Department of Agriculture.
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A rescue boat in Yuba City during the flood of 1955. Photo by Floyd Winters; courtesy of Sutter County Library.
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The Jean P. Jones Gallery
Our permanent exhibit Growing Pleasanton uses objects, images, and narrative to follow the history of this area and its peoples from the Ohlone tribes who first lived here to the suburban community of today's city. You can learn more about Growing Pleasanton here.
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Kid's Corner
Kids are welcome to drop in and explore the Kid's Corner! The Kid's Corner is an exhibit area designed for preschool through early elementary ages with dress up, craft activities, books, old time games, and more. Activities change periodically throughout the year, so drop by and see what's new!
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Recent Exhibits
PAL's Pals 2025
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"Metamorphosis" by Dana Yang. Conte on black paper.
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855 Main Street, circa 1920 and today. Museum on Main
Downtown Past, Downtown Present
April 1 - May 10
See how Main Street has changed over the decades by looking at its iconic locations both then and now.
While our rotating exhibit gallery is closed for collections storage inventory, our center hallway will feature an updated version of this popular interactive exhibit.
April 1 - May 10
See how Main Street has changed over the decades by looking at its iconic locations both then and now.
While our rotating exhibit gallery is closed for collections storage inventory, our center hallway will feature an updated version of this popular interactive exhibit.
Imagination Expressed 2025
Pleasanton Art League at Museum on Main
January 23 - March 15
Gadgets Galore!
Transforming the American Household
Oct. 10, 2024 - Jan. 11, 2025
Maytag washer, 1930s. Museum on Main collection.
The tools and devices of everyday home life provide a window into how America has changed since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. Through curling irons and telephones, phonographs and washing machines, Gadgets Galore shows how technological innovation, industrial transportation, and mass communications have shaped our everyday experience.
Gadgets Galore! Is presented by Museum on Main and Exhibit Envoy
Gadgets Galore! Is presented by Museum on Main and Exhibit Envoy
Textures of Remembrance
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Textures of My Father by Terri Trang Le, 2021
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