In an effort to raise more money, the foundation and the museum are organizing a fundraiser this month. Supporters of the museum will gather at the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards on May 7 for the event.

April Halberstadt, curator of the Saratoga Museum, said the foundation hopes to make this an annual event. "We expect several hundred people to show up for history, wine and hors d'oeuvres," she said.

Cooper-Garrod Vineyards is letting the foundation use the facilities for free on that day.

"My family has had a close relationship with the foundation," said Bill Cooper, whose family owns the vineyard. "We maintain history; that's what our facility is. The Cooper-Garrod Vineyards is a microcosm of what Saratoga used to be when agriculture was a way of life."

Ann Johnson, a local jewelry designer, has created five special silver charms for the event. The charms will be part of a bracelet called the Saratoga historical collection charm bracelet and will sell for $75 at the fundraiser. The five charms include reproductions of the Memorial Arch and the Heritage Oak.

"We have seen the initial castings of the five silver charms that Ann has created for our historical foundation charm bracelet. I think we will sell out at the May 7 event," said Peggy Schoppe, a docent at the museum.

Halberstadt said since the museum was new to fundraising, there has been no revenue target set for the event.

"Museums in nearby Campbell, Los Gatos and Los Altos receive major financial support from their taxpayers. The city of Saratoga provides the museum with a site, which the foundation rents for $1 a year," she said.

Halberstadt added that fundraising was necessary because the museum wanted to develop its exhibits and expand its outreach programs.

"Both activities take additional funding. Saratoga has many new residents who have no knowledge of the unique heritage that sets Saratoga apart from her neighbors," Halberstadt said.

She said it was crucial that the museum provided outreach for local residents.

"It is also essential that our elementary school students are introduced to the heritage of their wonderful town," Halberstadt said.

The museum also needs to raise money for two permanent exhibits.

An exhibit devoted to the Muwekma Ohlone, Saratoga's original Native American tribe, was started last year. "The museum now houses tribal artifacts that were stored in the basement of San José State University for more than 30 years," she said.

She said the second exhibit was still being planned and focuses on the life of John Brown, the abolitionist.

"Sarah Brown, his daughter, was a significant local artist and a collection of her work is currently undergoing extensive cleaning and restoration," Halberstadt said.

Schoppe said the foundation also plans to start restoring the historic McWilliams house this year. The house was built in the 1850s and is currently located on the museum property.

"We currently have it furnished as a prototype house museum. We'll work on the final exhibit plans while the house is being restored," he said.

The Saratoga Museum is funded by state and federal grants.

The museum fundraiser is called a Tasteful Afternoon, and is at the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards on May 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $30 each. For more information call 408.867.4383 or 408.867.9229.