Villa Mira Monte is the repository of the rich history that defines Morgan Hill as a community… Who we were, who we are and who we will become!
MHHS owns, operates and maintains this 2 ½ acre site which includes the Morgan Hill Museum, Hiram Morgan Hill House, Centennial History Trail and beautiful Rose Gardens, all located at Villa Mira Monte, 17860 Monterey Road in Morgan Hill, CA 95037. Villa Mira Monte site is on the Registry of National Historic Landmarks. As Morgan Hill’s “Central Park,” it is a major community attraction, a place where our community can celebrate its past.
House
HIRAM MORGAN HILL HOUSE:
The Morgan Hill House is unique, incorporating the best features of Queen Anne and Stick/Eastlake design. It was built in 1884-1886 by Hiram Morgan Hill for his bride, Diana Murphy Hill. The couple, along with their daughter Diane, lived in San Francisco and used the house as a country retreat for themselves and their many friends. In fact, the town acquired its name because train conductors would call out, “Morgan Hill’s” when making special stops for the Hill’s guests to disembark.
The House was sold by the Hills in 1912 and was subsequently a private home and an antique shop. In 1992 Vila Mira Monte was deeded to the Morgan Hill Historical Society with the proviso that it be rescued from dereliction and be open to the public. After six years of extensive work, it was opened in the summer of 1998.
Museum
The Morgan Hill Museum:
Once the home of orchardist John Acton, and his family, this 1911 Craftsman style home was built at 170 Warren Avenue near Nob Hill. Eventually acquired by Chris and Ida Williams, it was donated it to the City in 1980 for use as a community museum. In 1983 the Morgan Hill Historical Society moved it to Main Street near City Hall where it was open until 2005 when it was once again moved to make way for a new library. Now located at Villa Mira Monte, it gives a sense of life Morgan Hill in the 1930’s. The Museum is a repository for archives and object collections, including artifacts, maps, photos, manuscripts, clippings and memorabilia. Special exhibits are rotated on a yearly basis.
Archival materials are available for research by appointment only; please call and make reservations. Museum resources cannot be removed from the premises, but photocopies may be made for a nominal charge. Please be aware that older records and some bound materials cannot be copied. For inquiries and appointments Contact Us or call (408) 408-779-5755.
History Trail
Centennial History Trail:
In 2006, the Morgan Hill Historical Society, in partnership with the Morgan Hill Centennial Committee, established a spiral Centennial History Trail in a beautiful park-like setting to celebrate the City’s founding in 1906. The trail winds through over 100 events in a chronological history of our community while at the same time sets our history into perspective with national and global events. The design encourages visitors to relax in this peaceful garden setting and reminisce about our past.
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Rose Gardens
Rose Gardens:
Villa Mira Monte is a showcase of magnificent rose gardens with a wide variety of over 300 rose bushes. In bloom most of the year, the roses offer spectacular color and elegance. A spectacular wisteria plant at the front of the veranda of the Morgan Hill House is over 100 years old. It is kept trimmed back today, but in the past its rambling vines covered the entire front of the veranda.
The grounds are open to the public seven days a week year round. The House and Museum are open Fridays from 12 pm to 3 pm and on Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.
Facility Rental
FACILITY RENTAL INFORMATION
The Villa Mira Monte Event Center
17860 Monterey Rd.
Morgan Hill, CA
Jennifer Tate
408-621-7752
JenniferTate@morganhillhistoricalsociety.org
In this house … Our towns namesake lived; families grew; the community gathers; couples wed; and memories are shared.
Create your own history at the historic Hiram Morgan Hill House at Villa Mira Monte. This 1884 Queen Anne style country home and the beautifully landscaped grounds offer serene elegance and intimate charm in an idyllic setting for your family celebrations; weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, business meetings and holiday parties. Villa Mira Monte offers a wide range of options that can be tailored to your needs.
Private Event Fee Information
Note: The facility has a maximum of 50 from November through May.
The facility has a maximum of 150 from June through October.
| Mon – Wed |
Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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| December – May | $75 per Hour |
$475
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$475
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$450
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| June – October | $75 per Hour |
$675
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$675
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$655
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DETAILS
- > Use of food prep area for caterer.
- > Candles must be contained in votive containers or hurricanes. No open flame is allowed.
- > Nothing may be attached to the walls. Rental includes use of folding chairs and tables.
- > Certificate of insurance required.
- > All fees are subject to change without notice.
- > Additional non-preapproved hours are $150 per hour.
- > Security at the event is the responsibility of the lessee.
SECURITY DEPOSIT
A $1000.00 security deposit and certificate of insurance are due 30 days prior to the event date. Deposit is fully refundable within two weeks of satisfactory completion of the event.
If you have questions about any of these details, wish to see the facility or schedule an event, please call Jennifer Tate the event coordinator at 408-621-7752.
Villa Mira Monte is owned and operated by
The Morgan Hill Historical Society
P.O. Box 1258, Morgan Hill
CA 95038
For Further Details
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