The Los Gatos Museum sprang from the inspiration of resident Dr. Ethel Dana, who felt that no town could be complete without a museum. The Museum was conceived in May of 1965, when a group of museum-minded citizens held a public meeting to determine interest in a museum for Los Gatos.
In 1967, a non-profit corporation was formed: the Los Gatos Museum Association. The Association was incorporated for the purpose of bringing natural history, art, science, and the history of Los Gatos and the region to the public.
On May 16, 1966, the Town Council of Los Gatos voted to lease the old firehouse on the corner of Tait Avenue and Main Street to the Association for a token price, for the purpose of creating a museum. A fund drive was conducted and the town merchants contributed materials to refurbish the interior of the firehouse.
After volunteers converted the building, The Los Gatos Museum opened its doors with ceremonies on May 20, 1967. There were four departments: Local History, Natural Science, Fine Arts, and School and Group Visitations.
The Forbes Mill Museum, the remaining two-story annex of James Alexander Forbes’ flour mill completed in 1854, eventually housed the history collections, displayed in permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Almost 60 years and several iterations later, Dr. Ethel Dana’s ambitiondream was realized as New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU); a community hub where history, art, and culture are integral to daily life!
Los Gatos Museum Association Founder, Dr. Ethel Dana Atkinson (1918-1975) was an obstetrician and diplomat of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Dana was the organization’s secretary until her death in 1975. Many residents of the community remember Dr. Dana as always singing wherever she went.
