The vast majority of those who occupied the White House never came close to replicating the extraordinary leadership of the likes of Washington, Lincoln, or Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Why? Gerald Henig (author and professor emeritus of history at California State University, East Bay) offers little-known and compelling stories—funny, tragic, and, in some cases, startling— that help to explain why only a handful of our chief executives etched a place for themselves in the annals of presidential greatness.

Registration Required | Free

Join in celebrating Black History Month at the Hayward Area Historical Society! This week, families are invited to make collages inspired by Alma Thomas’s beautiful paintings.

Plus, there’s an opportunity to make your own dragon or lantern for Lunar New Year!

As always, there’s also a book/toy nook to play in and a free play art table and coloring pages that are always available.

Ever wonder what happens with artifacts when they are not on display? Curious as to what happens behind the scenes at HAHS? Sign up to tour the Hayward Area Historical Society collections with Registrar Emily Conrado and learn more about how we store and preserve artifacts.

Registration Required | Free

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with us at the Hayward Area Historical Society! Decorate paper dragons and make paper lanterns to ring in the Year of the Snake.

For those with shorter attention spans, our toy/book nook is available for play. We also host a free-play art table.

All ages, no reservation required.

It's the season for cider, cookies, and crafts! In addition to visiting our history and art galleries, you can pop in to the museum on Saturdays in December to make a salt dough ornament and other festive crafts while enjoying hot cider and cookies in our little elves workshop.

Enjoy the Christmas décor and view the first floor at your own pace during a self-guided tour where docents and staff can answer your questions. In addition, we have something special scheduled for each Saturday — See the full program list in the rest of our calendar.

Enjoy holiday music by members of the Hayward Community Chorus and guitarist Jos Van Der Wilk. Then make your own Santa Searcher to help catch a glimpse of St. Nick!

Christmas twinkle is never brighter than in the evening, so come tour Meek when it's all aglow. This hour long tour will cover Christmas traditions and Meek Family history in a cozy glittering setting. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for HAHS Members. Ages 12+

Tell Santa what you want for Christmas and take your own photos with the jolly fellow.

It's the season for cider, cookies, and crafts! In addition to visiting our history and art galleries, you can pop in to the museum on Saturdays in December to make a salt dough ornament and other festive crafts while enjoying hot cider and cookies in our little elves workshop.

Mrs. Claus has stories to share, so bring your little ones to meet her!

Enjoy the Christmas décor and view the first floor at your own pace during a self-guided tour where docents and staff can answer your questions. In addition, we have something special scheduled for each Saturday — See the full program list in the rest of our calendar.

Christmas twinkle is never brighter than in the evening, so come tour Meek when it's all aglow. This hour long tour will cover Christmas traditions and Meek Family history in a cozy glittering setting. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for HAHS Members. Purchase tickets below. Ages 12+

Tell Santa what you want for Christmas and take your own photos with the jolly fellow.

It's the season for cider, cookies, and crafts! In addition to visiting our history and art galleries, you can pop in to the museum on Saturdays in December to make a salt dough ornament and other festive crafts while enjoying hot cider and cookies in our little elves workshop.

Mrs. Claus has stories to share, so bring your little ones to meet her!

Continue your holiday shopping at our Pop-up Gift Shop! Local artisans offer the most unique options, so come see what gifts you can check off your list!

Enjoy the Christmas décor and view the first floor at your own pace during a self-guided tour where docents and staff can answer your questions. In addition, we have something special scheduled for each Saturday — See the full program list in the rest of our calendar.

Tour the first floor, enjoy hot cocoa, and participate in fun games while waiting for the magical moment when the mansion lights up for the holidays! In partnership with HARD.

Ever wonder why there are so many urns on top of headstones? Notice all those pointy obelisks and floral motifs that adorn burial markers? Have you ever seen a headstone resembling a tree trunk or a log? Each communicates a different sentiment, idea, and identity. Start your morning with a walk through Lone Tree Cemetery and learn about cemetery iconography, symbolism, and the cultures that elevated them.

Registration requested. Meet at Mausoleum 2, behind the cemetery office.

No Dia de los Muertos celebration would be complete without skulls! On the last day of our wonderful community exhibit, come decorate a skull mask to wear for the day!

Looking for something a little macabre to celebrate the spooky season? Beyond the Veil Guided Tours take guests through these historic homes while teaching them some of the more creepy traditions, beliefs, and practices of the 19th and 20th centuries. Perhaps you will experience a few frightening moments of your own when the houses are dark! Tour times are at 6:15, 7:30, and 8:45 PM.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. $30 General Admission, $25 HAHS Members. Please note that this is not a haunted house program. Ages 14+

As Day of the Dead approaches, we all need a skeleton buddy. Come decorate your very own skeleton friend.

Looking for something a little macabre to celebrate the spooky season? Beyond the Veil Guided Tours take guests through these historic homes while teaching them some of the more creepy traditions, beliefs, and practices of the 19th and 20th centuries. Perhaps you will experience a few frightening moments of your own when the houses are dark! Tour times are at 6:15, 7:30, and 8:45 PM.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. $30 General Admission, $25 HAHS Members. Please note that this is not a haunted house program. Ages 14+

Looking for something a little macabre to celebrate the spooky season? Beyond the Veil Guided Tours take guests through these historic homes while teaching them some of the more creepy traditions, beliefs, and practices of the 19th and 20th centuries. Perhaps you will experience a few frightening moments of your own when the houses are dark! Tour times are at 6:15, 7:30, and 8:45 PM.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. $30 General Admission, $25 HAHS Members. Please note that this is not a haunted house program. Ages 14+

Looking to add a little more joy to your October Celebrations or a gift for someone special? Then drop by the Pop-Up Shop offering unique and one-of-a-kind Dia de los Muertos themed folk art and jewelry. Come support local artisans!

Looking for something a little macabre to celebrate the spooky season? Beyond the Veil Guided Tours take guests through these historic homes while teaching them some of the more creepy traditions, beliefs, and practices of the 19th and 20th centuries. Perhaps you will experience a few frightening moments of your own when the houses are dark! Tour times are at 6:15, 7:30, and 8:45 PM.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. $30 General Admission, $25 HAHS Members. Please note that this is not a haunted house program. Ages 14+

Join artist Rachel-Anne Palacios as she discusses the Day of the Dead and make your own Day of the Dead-themed tin art to take home. In partnership with the Hayward Arts Council and the Hayward Public Library.

Registration full, join waitlist. Ages 14+