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Published on 08/31/1998 All articles from this issue

First full-time director starts at History House

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By Clyde Noel

Special to the Town Crier

The city of Los Altos has hired Madelyn Crawford as its new History House Museum director. Crawford, who started work Aug. 31, will be responsible for the operation of the present History House Museum and will be involved with the operation of the new $1.65 million Education Center on museum grounds.

Crawford's hiring realizes a longtime goal of History House supporters to bring on staff a full-time director. Funding to this point had been limited to part-time help.

The new director, with a master's degree from San Jose State University, will have plenty to do at History House these days. The new Education Center could be ready for occupancy by late next year, according to Ginny Lear, co-chairwoman of the Education Center's fund-raising steering committee.

The center, designed by Steinberg and Associates of San Jose, will provide 8,200 square feet of space and serve as a research facility and museum for Los Altos and Los Altos Hills.

Crawford has served as curator of education for the San Jose Museum of Art, and was historical and arts coordinator for the town of Los Gatos.

Her most recent position was with the Abhinaya Dance Company of San Jose, where she was general manager and coordinator of volunteers for performances in the Bay Area.

"A docent took me through the building and I was impressed with how well the museum is presented to the public," Crawford said.

Crawford will work closely with the Los Altos Historical Commission and the History House Museum Association. In her new capacity, she will be under the direction of Los Altos Recreation Director Bob Rayl.

Rayl said Crawford will be involved in the final selection of a museum exhibit designer. Together, they will work with a committee to finalize the plans for the permanent exhibit area.

"I am impressed with the talent and the association personnel involved with the History House," Crawford said.

"I have received a very warm welcome starting with the fund-raiser for the education center last Sunday. There are excellent volunteers in this system and we will try to expand the group of docents available for the education center."

For more information about History House activities, call 948-9427.