Our Foundation

Our Foundation

The Campbell Museums and Ainsley House Foundation is a 501-c-3, nonprofit, public benefit corporation of volunteers whose mission is to support with volunteer effort and financial assistance, the Campbell Historical Museum & Ainsley House in its goal of promoting the history of the Campbell area, and to educate the public about the region’s rich past through educational programs.

The Mission of the Campbell Historical Museum & Ainsley House is to interpret to a broad public audience, in innovative and meaningful ways, the history of the Campbell area from its pioneer beginnings to today’s 21st century setting, and to relate that history within the broader context of the Santa Clara Valley and encompassing region.

The Foundation is run by a volunteer Board of Directors, over the past decade it has accomplished many feats.  Chief among them the Foundation established two endowments to support of the Museum.  The Permanent Endowment has been established to provide annual operating funds; the Non-permanent Endowment has been established to fund designated projects such as major exhibits, major acquisitions or new construction.  In addition, the acclaimed education program has received outstanding “marks” from teachers and students from many districts in our county, and the interactive exhibits establish a rich link to our valley’s past for visitors.

 The Campbell Historical Museum & Ainsley House foundation is in partnership with the City of Campbell's Department of Recreation of Community Services department.  The Museum is located in three different buildings: 1) The original old Firehouse facility which was renovated in 2000 with interpretative historical exhibits on Campbell, a Museum Store, the museum offices, archives and collections; 2) The historic Ainsley House, a 1925 English Tudor house museum that was the former home of local canning industry pioneer John Colpitts Ainsley.  The house gives visitors a sense of life in the 1920s in the Campbell area; and 3) The Wyland R. Morgan gallery includes the Museum Store, an orientation video center and formal exhibits on the history of the area.  The museum also has collections space in the basement of the Ainsley House and at the city’s Community Center in a large warehouse for larger artifacts.

 The City of Campbell owns and maintains the museum's buildings and its contents. The Foundation provides annual financial support to the City of Campbell for the operating expenses of the Campbell Historical Museum and Ainsley House. 

 The Foundation raises money for their annual contribution to the City and other special projects by sponsoring many fundraising event throughout the year.  The largest fundraising event is selling concessions at the City’s Summer Concert Series. Other events the Foundation holds are, holiday teas, appraisal fairs, membership and bridal fair.