Published on Page 2 of the September 4, 2013 issue of Morgan Hill Life:
What is the future of Morgan Hill’s history? That question is now being addressed as the Morgan Hill Historical Society works toward developing its 2.5-acre Villa Mira Monte history park with amenities that will allow it to be an even more attractive destination for visitors.
Located at 17860 Monterey Rd., Villa Mira Monte is the only site in Morgan Hill that is on the National Registry of Historic Landmarks. Visitors wander through the restored 1884 Hiram Morgan Hill House, the Morgan Hill Museum, the Centennial History Trail, and the Rose Garden. Thousands of children from local schools have come on field trips to Villa Mira Monte to learn the story of the Native Americans and the European pioneers who lived in the South Valley region long ago. The site also serves as a center for public events such as community picnics in the lawn area as well a lecture series inside the house.
Now members of the Morgan Hill Historical Society want to enhance Villa Mira Monte with a major development venture. Called the Villa Mira Monte Property Improvement Project, this endeavor, conservatively estimated to take 10 years, will enhance the site for community educational and recreational uses. Specifically, it will include:
• An outdoor pavilion, great lawn and barbecue areas opening up Villa Mira Monte for outdoor weddings and other social events accommodating up to 150 people.
• Improved accessibility to the Hiram Morgan Hill House which can play host to events and professional activities.
• A multi-purpose room for community workshops and lectures so residents can discover a wide variety of topics that will make for a better understanding of our community heritage.
• A new archival storage and multipurpose room will enhance historians’ ability to better collect and convey our community’s history.
• A paved two-way driveway providing parking for 67 vehicles.
The Morgan Hill Historical Society is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that has a proven track record of delivering and managing large scale projects.
The Villa Mira Monte Property Improvement Project is a worthy undertaking that will enhance the quality of life in our community. Completing the property improvements will provide greater opportunities for the community to enjoy this charming location in our city. It will also help bring more visitors to Morgan Hill as it better serves social functions such as weddings and also corporate retreats for Silicon Valley companies.
Developing Villa Mira Monte with this project will also have a ripple effect on our local economy as is generates revenue for catering services, florists, equipment rentals, hotels and other local businesses. It will bring money into our community and keep money in our community.
To ensure that this improvement plan proves successful, the Morgan Hill Historical Society needs support from the local community. We at Morgan Hill Life encourage individuals and businesses that care about preserving the historic heart of our community to contact the society and find out how they can help — either with financial support or volunteer help.
For the sake of future generations of Morgan Hill, let’s work together now to enhance our history with the Villa Mira Monte Property Improvement Project.
If you’re interested in helping, call 408-230-7876 or email [email protected].
