Vistas Lecture Series at 450 Bryant Street

"From Vision to Reality: Bringing the Palo Alto Museum to Life" with Marguerite Gong Hancock

Marguerite will take the audience behind the scenes of the journey to create a museum that captures Palo Alto’s unique role in shaping the world. From unique artifacts to interactive exhibits, events, and experiences for all ages, the Museum will be a vibrant civic hub to learn from the past, strengthen community today, and inspire a brighter future. Don’t miss this sneak peek into the Museum's opening exhibits, gathering spaces, and dynamic events. Whether you are passionate about local history, hands-on learning, building community, or turning ideas into impact, this is a unique opportunity to see how a bold cultural vision is becoming reality—and how you can be part of the story.

Marguerite Gong Hancock is the inaugural President and CEO of the Palo Alto Museum. A Palo Alto native, she is a museum executive, community builder, political economist, and educator with more than 25 years of experience leading innovative institutions at the intersection of technology, culture, business, education, and society. Previously, Marguerite served as Chief Innovation Officer and Vice President of Programming at the Computer History Museum, where she led major strategic initiatives spanning public programs, education, exhibitions, and partnerships, and founded the Exponential Center. 

Over nearly two decades at Stanford University—including roles at the Graduate School of Business and the Asia-Pacific Research Center—she directed interdisciplinary research and education initiatives focused on innovation and entrepreneurship and published three books. Marguerite was educated at Palo Alto public schools, Brigham Young University, Havard, and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy.

She is married to Russell Hancock, president and CEO of Joint Venture Silicon Valley. Together they raised their three children in Palo Alto and are grateful to continue calling the city home.