Following his pioneering instincts, H. H. Warburton left his home and medical practice in Great Britain to journey to the United States in 1844. A year later, he signed on as surgeon to the whaler, Corea. After cruising to New Zealand, the Sandwich Islands and up to the northwest coast of America, Warburton left the ship at San Francisco in 1847 and visited the California gold fields in 1848. Later that year, he settled in Santa Clara where he proceeded to establish a medical practice which ultimately ranged from California to the Washington Territory (Oregon).

Sometime during the 1870's, H. H. Warburton built this Doctor's Office at the corner of Main and Benton Streets in Santa Clara. Many early doctors had offices in their homes; Dr. Warburton was an exception. However, in rural areas, much of the doctor's time was spent "on the road" or making rounds. The structure remained in the Warburton family after his death in 1903, but was rented to several succeeding physicians.

Many of the medical instruments now displayed in the Doctor's Office belonged to Dr. George Fowler, the last physician to use the office before its relocation to the Museum in 1972. Dr. Fowler practiced a total of 61 1/2 years, a record for Santa Clara Valley.

Dr. Thomas Gallup, a dentist, rented a room for his practice, and one room of the exhibit is set up as a dentist's office.