Saratoga History: The Origins of Silicon Valley

Click Here to watch the recording of this March 25, 2025 presentation.

Why is "Silicon Valley" located here, in California? The story goes back to the early 1910's, to local ham radio operators trying to break RCA tube patents, angel investors, the sinking of the Titanic, Fred Terman and Stanford University, local invention of high-power tubes, WWII and radar, and the San Francisco Bay Area infrastructure that developed. These factors determined that the semiconductor and IC industries would be located in the Santa Clara Valley, and that the Valley would remain the world's innovation center as new technologies emerged -- computers, storage, software, search, biotech, virtual reality, autonomous vehicles and now artificial intelligence -- and it would become the model for innovation worldwide.

Paul Wesling, an IEEE Life Fellow, has observed the Valley for decades as an engineer, executive, resident and educator. In this non-technical presentation, he provides the colorful history of technology development that began in Palo Alto, then spread across the Santa Clara Valley during and following WWII.

It Is Time for the Saratoga Blossom Festival!!

The Saratoga Blossom Festival will take place on May 17 from 10 to 4. The festival features arts and crafts, live music, City and local organizations, vintage cars and lots of children's activities.

The historic event will have unique crafts from handmade pillows, exotic bath items, one of a kind jewelry, blown glass, handmade cards and more. If you are interested in gardening the Master Gardeners will be on hand to give advice.

Over 8 bands will keep you toe tapping to old time music, jazz, soft rock, cowpoke music and more. The musicians will be located in the orchard and near the Warner Hutton House.

And there's more with an opportunity to see antique cars and talk to the owners. A petting zoo will delight people of all ages. The fire fighters will also have a display and chance to climb on the truck. A tai chi group will show you how to exercise and meditate. And of course, gourmet food trucks will also be on hand.

The Blossom Festival is located in the Heritage Orchard and Civic Center Courtyard at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue in Saratoga. Free parking, free admission and free fun!! Extra parking is at West Valley College parking lot 4.

The Blossom Festival is a historic festival originating in 1900 when this area was known as the Valley of the Heart's Delight and running until WW 2. It was brought back by the Saratoga Historical Foundation 10 years ago and continues to delight the community.

Produced by the Saratoga Historical Foundation with information at www.saratogahistory.com or 408-867-4311.

Free Activities

Explore our Pioneer Living program for 3rd-5th grades, and take a walk around Saratoga to spot Bats and Other Wildlife using these pictures.

Pioneer Living.

Bats and Other Wildlife in Saratoga.

Take A Moment Out and Read About the History of Saratoga Blacksmiths!

The attached presentation gives a quick overview on the roles of a blacksmith in 1850 as well as the blacksmiths that once worked in Saratoga. The information was given in a presentation to the Saratoga Foothill Club as well as was part of a display in the Saratoga Library lobby.

Click here for the presentation: The History of Saratoga Blacksmiths

Join or DonateJoin or Renew your Membership Today! Or make a Donation!

Support local history and the museum today. The Saratoga Historical Foundation invites you to join, renew your membership or make a dontaion today.

Click on this link to complete your membership application on line.
Click on this link to make a donation on line.

The Saratoga Historical Foundation Museum
The Saratoga Historical Foundation Museum located at Saratoga Historical Park: 20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Saratoga, CA
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  • 2025 Upcoming Events
  • May 17 from 10 to 4: Saratoga Blossom Festival
  • Zoom Lectures:
  • TBD

Latest recorded lecture video available

You can watch this video, along with past lectures and presentations at the Saratoga Historical Foundation's YouTube channel.

Click on the Subscribe button to recieve notifications when new videos are available on the SHF YouTube.


Community Service
Saratoga High School students looking to fulfill community service requirements can contact Linda Hagelin at the Saratoga History Museum. Please e-mail HERE with the date you can work. The museum is open Friday and Sunday from 1-4PM, Saturday from 10PM to 4PM.

Visit the Museum Gift Shop

Stop by the Museum gift shop and see the new book from Author and Lecturer Robin Chapman: "The Valley of Heart's Delight--the True Tales from Around the Bay. Chapman has written many popular books about the Bay Area-- including "California Apricots-- The Lost Orchards of Silicon Valley. This book promises to be just as interesting and more! It's a compilation of various vignettes of people in Santa Clara's history. It will make a great Christmas gift or just a gift of friendship to someone interested in history. Come on by and purchase a copy. You'll find other books by Robin in our gift shop!!

The Museum Gift Shop has copies of the hard to find Florence Cunningham's "Saratoga's First Hundred Years" along with over 20 other books on local history, postcards, notecards and more.

The gift shop is open Friday and Sunday from 1-4 PM and on Saturdays from 10AM-4PM.

Support the Saratoga Historical Foundation with AmazonSmile

The Saratoga Historical Foundation is now on the AmazonSmile list. Visit www.amazonsmile.com when you want to purchase an item and select the Saratoga Historical Foundation, by doing so, .5% of your purchase will be donated to the Saratoga Historical Foundation. No extra cost to you-- it is part of a program initiated by Amazon to give back to the community.

Saratoga Historical Foundation  ·  20450 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Saratoga, CA 95070-5935  ·  #408.867.4311

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