BHS Programs & Resources

The Passport to History program, a walking tour of historic Burlingame, is specifically designed for our city’s third graders. The program is run by volunteer docents, (we are always looking for more volunteers), and it lasts about two hours. The program is offered to all third graders in Burlingame public and private schools and meets the state mandated requirements for local history.

The society periodically offers a class for teens and adults through the Burlingame Recreation Center called Burlingame’s Art, Architecture and History. Illustrated with slides and featuring guest speakers, this class allows students to appreciate the city in a new and interesting way. Check the listings in the Burlingame Recreation Center catalog for any upcoming classes, or look for announcements here on our web site.

Exhibitions
The society maintains both physical and online exhibits of Burlingame and Hillsborough history. The physical exhibits can be viewed in the Burlingame Hillsborough History Museum at the Burlingame Train station, the first Sunday of each month (summer schedule varies) or by appointment for groups of 5 or more by calling 650-340-9960 at least three weeks in advance of your visit.

Research
Would you like to know more about the history of your house or property in Burlingame? Contact the society and ask about the kind of information we may have available. In most cases we are able to provide basic information at little or no cost. For projects involving more time, the Society requires a $25 per hour donation that is used for the maintenance of our archive. Please note that we are backlogged so please be patient!

Photos for sale- We offer limited stock photos for personal and research use ranging from $100-$250 depending on usage. Generally, charges are usage fees only and do not include “output” that is done by other vendors. Call for details. Photographs that are not stock require a $100 non-refundable deposit.

The Burlingame Hillsborough History Museum                                                              Located inside the historic Burlingame Train Station at the intersection of Burlingame Avenue and California Drive. It is open every first Sunday of the month from 1pm-4pm. Special tours are available for groups of five or more, including school groups, cub scouts and more.

Self-Guided Tour of Historic Buildings
Take a self-guided tour of historic buildings in downtown Burlingame wit this free interactive map providing a brief history of each: Click here.

Archives Research Facility
The Burlingame Historical Society maintains an extensive archive repository of historic memorabilia from Hillsborough and Burlingame’s past. From photographs of Teddy Roosevelt’s visit here in 1903 to Miss Burlingame of 1935’s wedding dress, nowhere else does there exist the depth and breadth of materials available to research the towns of Burlingame and Hillsborough, California.

The Burlingame Historical Society repository is located in The Carriage House of the former Gunst Mansion in Washington Park. This facility is generally NOT open to the public, so we suggest research questions be addressed by the archivists by calling (650) 340-9960 and leaving a detailed message and contact information.