A History of Coyote Point

4,000 Years Ago

Originally an island that the Ohlone Indians used as a fishing site. Shell mounds were found on the north side of Coyote Point.

1700s

Spanish padres claimed the area for mission lands.

1830

Mexican government took over the area after the Mexican Revolution.

1850

Island sold to shipping firm of Mellus & Howard. Howard family connected the island to the mainland. Area used for dairy farming. Pier built to ship out lumber.

1880

Addition of swimming tank and large bath house at the beach attracted many San Franciscans on the weekends.

1922

Pacific City Amusement Park opened. It was called the “greatest fun community since Coney Island.” Pacific City closed after only two years.

1940

The Howard Estate sold its 402 acres of Coyote Point to San Mateo for a park.

1942

The Federal Government was given 10 acres of land to establish the U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet School at Coyote Point.

1946

U.S. Merchant Marine Cadet School was purchased by the College of San Mateo as its first campus through 1963.

1963

County Park established at Coyote Point.

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A History of CuriOdyssey

1953

The San Mateo County Junior Museum is opened on the knoll in a Quonset Hut by the San Francisco Junior League, later named the museum’s Auxiliary.

1958

The San Mateo County Junior Museum Auxiliary established the Decorator’s Show House fundraiser.

1974

San Mateo County Junior Museum becomes Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education.

1981

New museum building opened with an 8,000 square foot permanent exhibition in the Environmental Hall, classroom space, a resource library, and a theatre.

1991

Animal Habitats opened, providing naturalistic habitats for native, non-releasable animals.

2006

Museum almost closed as a result of financial challenges. The museum was saved with a $500,000 campaign completed in 30 days to keep the doors open under new leadership.

2011

Coyote Point Museum for Environmental Education becomes CuriOdyssey, to better reflect the institution’s revitalization and renewed focus on hands-on science education.

CuriOdyssey’s history as a PDF

To download CuriOdyssey’s history as a PDF, click on the button below.
Source: Coyote Point Museum 50th Anniversary materials

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