QUARTERLY MEETINGS – February, April, July, and October. They are open to the public. We have a maximum capacity of 90 people so it is important to RSVP (650-757-1676 or cha@colmahistory.com). Programs are related to Colma’s history.
TEA OF MANY THEMES, an annual fundraiser that is usually in September. The maximum capacity is 180 seats. 18 hosts each set a table with their chosen theme. It is open to the public. SEATING IS LIMITED. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.
VICTORIAN DAYS TOURS. In conjunction with the San Mateo County Historical Association, we offer a tour or program each summer related to Colma’s history. These are open to the public with a typical limit of 40-50 people. Information is available on the Colma Historical Association and the San Mateo County Historical Association websites. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, February 1, 2026 – 2:00 p.m.
Colma Community Center, 1520 Hillside Blvd.
Parking in adjacent lot and on the street.
PROGRAM: “It’s Great to Be Alive on Southern Pacific’s Colma Branch” Presented by John Petrovitz, Mid-20th Century Colma Historian
John has created a landscaped model of the Southern Pacific railroad line between Colma and South San Francisco. His inspiration is his childhood memories of growing up in Colma. He will share his methods and portions of his videos chronicling the history of the line as it ran through Colma.
FREE
RSVP to 650-757-1676 or cha@colmahistory.com.
Landscaped model of the Colma train deport and shed by John Petrovitz.
Recent CHA Events
2025 Fall Quarterly Meeting
Sunday, October 19, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.
Colma Community Center, 1520 Hillside Blvd.
Parking in adjacent lot and on the street.
PROGRAM: “Who Am I? A Fun Trivia Game Featuring Some of Colma’s Underground Residents” presented by CHA Board Member Perky Ramroth and CHA Volunteer Amy Yip.
FREE
RSVP to 650-757-1676 or cha@colmahistory.com.
2025 Annual Tea of Many Themes
Saturday, September 20, 2025 – 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Colma Community Center, 1520 Hillside Blvd.
Parking in adjacent lot and on the street.
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. LIMITED SEATING.
INVITATIONS TO BE MAILED IN MID-AUGUST.
18 Hosts each set a table with their chosen theme. Tea, savories and sweets served.
Drawing prizes, boutique, and silent auction.
Questions or Leave your contact to receive an invitation:
650-757-1676 or email cha@colmahistory.com
2025 Summer Quarterly Meeting
Sunday, July 20, 2025 – 11 a.m.– 1 p.m.
Japanese Cemetery, 1300 Hillside Blvd., Colma
Parking on the street
Colma Historical Association’s Victorian Days Tour* of the Japanese Cemetery and the Colma Historical Museum – This was a one-hour walk through the Japanese Cemetery. We learned about its founding, the stories of some of its famous underground residents and monuments to honored groups, and the unique style of the cemetery. This was followed by a brief walk or drive to the Colma Historical Museum, 1500 Hillside Blvd., to learn more about our unique city.
Level ground. Easy walking. Museum is ADA accessible with restrooms. Parking on the street or in the Museum’s parking lot.
*Victorian Days Tours are sponsored each July-Aug weekend by the San Mateo County Historical Association. Check their website for other tours.
2025 Spring Quarterly Meeting
Sunday, April 27, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.
Colma Community Center, 1520 Hillside Blvd.
Parking in adjacent lot and on the street.
PROGRAM/SPEAKER: “Baseball Greats Who Reside in Colma,” presented by Richard Rocchetta. Richard is the CHA’s Secretary-Treasurer. Baseball is one of his favorite topics so the program will be excellent. Some of the notables we learned about were Dolph Camilli, Frankie Crosetti, Charlie Fox, Charlie Graham, Willie Kamm, Dario Lodigiani, Willie McCovey, and Joe Sprintz. And yes, Joe DiMaggio and Lefty O’Doul, of course!
Lefty O'Doul headstone at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park. 2010 photo by Heather Elliott Deis.
2025 Winter Quarterly Meeting
Sunday, February 2, 2025 – 2:00 p.m.
Colma Community Center, 1520 Hillside Blvd.
Parking in adjacent lot and on the street.
PROGRAM: A History of Mail Order Catalogues in the United States. These first appeared in the 1850s and business took off in the 1870s making products available to the rural population. They are the predecessors of the 21st century internet shopping phenomenon.
SPEAKER: Christopher Larraburo
