Events Around the Bay

Featuring hands-on activities focused on science, technology, engineering, and math, along with robotics demonstrations, a beehive display, an orchardist booth, and a book signing and lecture by local author Robin Chapman, the event will offer something for all ages.

Visitors can bring their orchard, garden, and landscaping questions to the “Meet the Orchardist booth”, featuring Cristina Prevarin of Gachina Landscape Management, the company that oversees the care of the Los Altos Heritage Orchard. Children will learn about native pollinators and plants, while adults can receive expert advice on gardening and landscape care.

Explorabox and the Kiwanis Club of Los Altos will present a variety of activities based on the theme  “Intelligence: Artificial and Natural” including designing a new kind of fruit and writing secret messages using binary code. Robotics enthusiasts can watch a LEGO robot demonstration by youth robotics team Menlo Park Narleaotters and participate in a Snap Circuits activity. A scientist will demonstrate DNA extraction using apricots, while Dave’s Backyard Bees will showcase a buzz-worthy beehive display. Visitors can connect with ham radio operators in the region and learn about the science and technology behind amateur radio from members of the Los Altos Amateur Radio Emergency Service.

At 1 p.m., local author/historian Robin Chapman will give a talk on her book “California Apricots: The Lost Orchards of Silicon Valley” followed by a book signing at 2 p.m.  Additional participants include Los Altos School District’s Living Classroom program, and Los Altos Library’s GoGoBiblio outreach vehicle. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. The event is generously sponsored by the Anne Wojcicki Foundation, with additional support from the Kiwanis Club of Los Altos.

Information: Admission is $10 per person, or free to Museum members and children ages 12 and under. Visit losaltoshistory.org/ApricotSTEM2026. Photo courtesy of the Los Altos History Museum.

Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the historic J. Gilbert Smith House, built in 1905 on 14+ acres of apricot orchards planted by Mr. Smith. In 2001, Los Altos History Museum opened the modern building next door, which houses the Museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The Museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the City of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations. The Museum is open Thursday through Sunday, from noon-4pm. Tours of the J. Gilbert Smith House are available during open hours. The outdoor agricultural exhibit, gardens and picnic area are accessible beyond Museum hours. For additional  information, visit: losaltoshistory.org, or phone 650.948.9427 x14.

By Lina Broydo