Welcome!
Thank you for visiting the Gilroy Historical Society's web site. This is where to find out what's going on right here right now, as well as what happened around here in times past. You can learn about the Society and find out how to get involved. See our calendar for tours, special events, and museum hours, or visit our online store for merchandise from the Gilroy Museum.
We have a great collection of historic videos, and we're always adding new photo albums too... be sure to check them out!!
If you have any questions or comments please contact us, we'd love to hear from you!
About the Society
Our mission is to inform our community about Gilroy’s unique heritage by collecting and preserving Gilroy’s artifacts and to develop educational programs and events to ensure our story continues to be told for generations to come.
We welcome you to learn about the society, join us, or contribute.
Visit the Museum
195 Fifth Street, Gilroy, CA 95020
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 10:00-4:00
First and Second Saturday of each month, 10:00-2:00
(408) 846-0446
Calendar
See our complete calendar of upcoming events, or download our 2026 Walking Tour Schedule (first Saturday of the month, 10am-noon).
Current News
2026 Architectural Award Winners
7701 Rosanna Street
This 1920’s Spanish Colonial revival style bungalow was lovingly restored in 2025 by the granddaughter of people who owned it in the 1940s. She now lives in home where she has good memories.
7300 Monterey Street
A former gas station built in the Googie style of the 1950s was restored by Andy Raymundo and Frank Oliver. It is now the popular destination, Camino Coffee.
7323 Monterey Street
Now the Lonely Oak Brew Co., owned by Greg Jaso and his son Lorenzo, many will fondly remember it as the New Gilroy Bakery owned by the Pirozzoli family and famous for the french bread delivered daily in Gilroy. The huge brick gas oven is still in place!
7423 Monterey Street
Reinvented as Cafe Dolce Vita, an upscale authentic Italian restaurant by owner Aldo Maresca, some of its former occupants were Steinmetz Pool Hall, Garcia and Henry engineering and the Bella Viva wine bar.
Update on Wheeler Auditorium
Dear Society Members and Friends,
As you may be aware, the Gilroy Civic Center Master Plan and draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) are recommending the demolition of Wheeler Auditorium, a building long treasured by the citizens of Gilroy and on the city’s list of Historic Resources. That list shows the architecture style as Moderne (also known as Art Deco) and describes its impact as “monumental.” We believe it is noteworthy and, while the interior admittedly needs renovation, the exterior is definitely worth preserving. It could still continue as a “Community Facility” and recreation center.
We may be able to Save Wheeler Auditorium. The Society Board voted to apply for National Register status for Wheeler, so Steve Brady and Pam Salter have completed the National Register application and photos. They have been submitted to the City which is the first step. After 90 days we will submit them to the State Office of Historic Preservation.
We will keep you posted.
Read about our Founding Father
Do you know how John Gilroy became the first English speaking resident of California? Did you know he married the daughter of Don Ignacio Ortega, holder of the San Ysidro Rancho, or that he made soap in a whaling kettle and traded it with Thomas Larkin in Monterey? Read all about our founder’s history in this 85 page book created from a Masters thesis. It will make the period of 1814-1869 come alive for you!
Available in our Online Store.