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Welcome to the Shinn Family's Former Nursery & Ranch
Our Neighbors Since 1856
Welcome to the Shinn Family's Former Nursery & Ranch
Our Neighbors Since 1856
“Charles Shinn wrote in 1887 “ I want you to see our home—our bit of Connecticut planted in California.”
(Letter to Daniel Coit Gilman)” nomination
In 1856, James and Lucy Shinn moved from Texas to the south bank of Alameda Creek. The last remaining four acres of their ranch is now Shinn Historical Park & Arboretum, nestled among suburban homes. The family's history can be seen in the remaining buildings, the landscape, and in the museum. Three groups volunteer at the park.
Help us celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Shinn House
Help us celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Shinn House
Schedule for the Day
10am—Event starts, arts and crafts activities begin, vendors selling crafts
11am—Remarks
12pm—Ukulele and hula performances
12–4pm—Shinn House tours
Some times are approximate. Check Facebook @ShinnHistoricPark for final schedule.
ALSO!
Ice cream cart
Beautiful green 1920s Fageol bus will be in front of the red barn, from the Pacific Bus Museum down the street.
Fun activities for the young and young-at-heart: Build a Tiny House, paint some rocks, go on a scavenger hunt!
Non-profit info tables: Friends of Heirloom Flowers Garden Club, Chinese Bunkhouse Preservation Project, and others.
Handmade items for sale by arts and crafts vendors, including traditionally-made brooms, pottery, crochet crafts, and more.
Very Big News! National Register of Historic Places!
Very Big News! National Register of Historic Places!
The nomination of the "Shinn Ranch Farmstead" to the National Register of Historic Places
was APPROVED by the State Historical Resources Commission on February 6, 2026.
The Big House, Shinn Cottage, Bungalow, and the Chinese Bunkhouse are Contributing Buildings.
In addition, the property is identified as Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in California, 1850-1995 Multiple Property Submission which is a way to group properties with a theme.
The "Shinn Ranch Farmstead" joins five other historic sites in Fremont:
The "Shinn Ranch Farmstead" joins five other historic sites in Fremont:
California Nursery Co. Guest House AKA the Jose de Jesus Vallejo Adobe at the California Nursery Historical Park
Niles Canyon Transcontinental Railroad Historic District: Fremont, Sunol, and Pleasanton
(It does not show up in the database yet, but here is the announcement.
Upcoming Events!
Upcoming Events!
Plein Air Day - May 9 - Thank you for attending!
Arts & Crafts in the Park - Saturday, July 18th
Doors Open 2026 - September 12th (Mission San Jose) September 13th (Niles)
Arts & Crafts in the Park July 18th 10-Noon
Arts & Crafts in the Park July 18th 10-Noon
Details Soon!
Details Soon!
For just a $20 ticket there are historic places to visit ALL over California in September!
thank you for attending!
Plein Air Painting was at Shinn Park May 9, 2026 1-4 pm
Plein Air Painting was at Shinn Park May 9, 2026 1-4 pm
About Shinn Park and its volunteers
About Shinn Park and its volunteers
House
The Shinn House, built in 1876, is the center of the park. Mission Peak Heritage Foundation (MPHF) manages the Shinn House: docent house tours, teas, and events. See the calendar and facebook for hours. You can have the Shinn house opened for weddings or parties during park rentals or special tours.
The online tour of the park is always available.
Contact mphf.secretary@gmail.com if you have questions about tours or teas.
Museum
The Shinn family created a Shinn House Museum behind the Big House in 2003. It is managed by MPHF. The museum is open during Shinn House hours and other times as well by appointment for researchers or for special events. Some of the archival materials are being digitized by the California Revealed program. They are also accessible from the Internet Archive. The Shinn family archives can also be found at the Bancroft library and at the Washington Township Museum of Local History.
Bunkhouse
The bunkhouse is the last remaining building from the Shinn Ranch China Camp that was located along Alameda Creek. The Chinese Bunkhouse Preservation Project has researched this building and is investigating how to preserve it. More about Chinese History in the Washington Township
Gardens
Two acres of Gardens are planted and maintained by the Friends of Heirloom Flowers garden club volunteers. The club has been taking care of the Shinn family's gardens since 1994. Historic trees from the 1870s live here among the gardens. The online tour is always available.
Kato Japanese Garden
This tiny Japanese garden was built in 1983-1985. The George Koomei Kato Memorial Garden is taken care of by the Friends of Heirloom Flowers and the Merritt College Aesthetic Pruning Hands-On class.
City of Fremont
The park is owned by the city of Fremont. You can rent the lawn area on weekends. Did you know that you can also arrange for a tour of the house during your rental? Contact the Shinn House Docents to find out how to get a docent-led tour of the Shinn House during your rental.
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