Hamilton Field History Museum

Discover the Legacy of Hamilton Field

In 2008, a dedicated group of Guild members reached an agreement with the City of Novato to transform the old Hamilton Field Fire Station into a museum. Thanks to their hard work and community support, the Hamilton Field History Museum opened its doors in May 2010. Today, the partnership continues: the City owns the building and artifacts, while Historical Guild volunteers operate the museum.

Step back in time and explore the rich history of Hamilton Field, one of Novato’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the historic 1934 Hamilton Firehouse, the Hamilton Field History Museum offers a fascinating journey through the development and operation of Hamilton Air Field from 1935 to 1975. Whether you’re a history buff, aviation enthusiast, or just curious, there’s something here for everyone.

  • Hours:

    Wednesday, Thursday, & Saturday 12pm - 4pm

    Location:

    In the historic 1934 Hamilton Firehouse
    555 Hangar Avenue  Novato, CA 94949 
    (415) 382-8614 

  • Discover an array of artifacts, photos, historical documents, diaries, and videos. We offer guided tours or explore at your own pace with our complimentary audio guides.

    Special Exhibits

    • Model Airplane Display: A collection showcasing the aircraft stationed at Hamilton Airfield throughout its forty-year history.

    • Link Trainer (Blue Box): Developed in the 1930s by Edwin Link, this pioneering flight simulator taught pilots how to navigate using only instruments, without visual reference to the ground. 

  • On the lower floor, discover the Novato Advance newspaper database, which spans from 1922 to 2012. It’s a treasure trove of local news, helping to connect the past to the present.

    Research Archives: Access a wealth of historical materials with the help of a docent. We recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure a docent is available to assist you.

  • Maps of Hamilton Field – Trace the layout and evolution of the base.

    Photos of Planes and Crews – View historical photos documenting the planes and personnel who served at Hamilton Field.

    Oral Histories – Hear first-hand accounts from those who lived and worked on the base.

    Library – Extensive collection of books, publications, and videos about Hamilton and related subjects.

  • The Museum Gift Shops have the perfect gift for local history lovers.  You can visit the Gift Shops during the museums regular open hours.

    For more information, please call the Hamilton Field History Museum at 415-382-8614.

A Brief Tour

Join us for a video tour of the Hamilton Field History Museum – home to fascinating artifacts and stories from our community's past.

See more videos
Black and white photograph of a busy airfield with people walking around and various military aircraft, including jets and a helicopter, on display on an airfield. Hangar No. 6 is visible in the background. Hamilton Field California.

Historical Timeline

Take a deep dive into the history of Hamilton Field with our detailed timeline. Explore the key events that shaped both the base and the community of Novato, from its early days as an airfield to its final years of operation.

See the timeline
A black and white photo of President Gerald Ford in a checkered suit smiling and engaging with a woman wearing glasses and a dark coat, surrounded by other people.

Discover the stories of the legends who visited Hamilton Field throughout the years.

Prominent Visitors

See the visitors

Other Historical Resources