History San José’s Family Days Series Celebrates International World Water Day Saturday, March 23 at History Park in Kelley Park

San José, CA – March 7, 2013 ---March 22 marks the 20^th anniversary of International World Water Day. By decree from the United Nations General Assembly, this year’s theme of “International Year of Water Co-Operation---Make Every Drop Count,” is a day that focuses on the importance of freshwater and the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Just in time, History San Jose is hosting a Coyote Creek Cleanup, as well as its exhibit, Shaped by Water: Past, Present and Future.

 

History San José will celebrate World Water Day on Saturday, March 23 by inviting the public to a cleanup of the banks of Coyote Creek, that runs between History Park and Happy Hollow Park and Zoo. Partnering with Bright Green San Jose, Santa Clara Water District and Watershed Watch, History Park will raise awareness of the significance of water.

 

"The importance of water is life itself, and don't we all take it for granted?" asks Alida Bray, President and CEO of History San Jose. "With World Water Day and the exhibit Shaped by Water: Past Present & Future we are reminded that when history meets the present day, it is important to plan for the future."

 

Coyote Creek is one of the largest watersheds in the Santa Clara Valley. Sixteen major creeks drain the 350 square miles that comprise the watershed, which eventually meets tidewater and becomes part of the salt marsh at the foot of the San Francisco Bay. It is home to over one-half million people, and provides a habitat for a wide variety of plants, fish and animals and runs from Milpitas to Morgan Hill.

 

In keeping with the theme, a Spring Egg Hunt will take place for children ages 2 to 9 on the Firehouse Lawn.  Registration for the egg hunt is from noon to 12:45 PM on the porch at the Pacific Hotel, with the hunt beginning at 1 PM. Donation is $2 per child.

 

Inside the Gallery of the Pacific Hotel is  Shaped by Water: Past, Present and Future, an exhibit depicting how water has literally shaped the history of Santa Clara Valley, and highlights what challenges our community will face in the future. The exhibition demonstrates through photographs, artistic interpretations, stories and interactive activities for kids of all ages, the unique connection between humans and this precious and finite resource.

 

There will also be a Water Fair including participants from local agencies dealing with water and conservation. In conjunction with Watershed Watch, and “Bright Green San José,” the environmental branch of the City of San José, the ‘spring cleaning’ will take place from  9 AM to Noon. The clean-up is for children ages 10 and up, as well as adults.  Park clean-up registration begins at 9 am at the Phelan Avenue entrance to History Park. There is no charge for the creek clean-up, and everyone is invited to learn about the freshwater.

 

Then at 2 PM on the Plaza at History Park, watch the “Water Wizard” Kathy Machado, with the Santa Clara Valley Water District, perform seemingly impossible feats with water.

 

Refreshments will be available for purchase from Larry’s Hot Dogs, Mona’s Fruit, Treat Ice Cream in O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor and Tony’s Popcorn Cart.

 

Admission is free, city parking lots $6. History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road (for GPS puposes, use 635 Phelan Avenue, San Jose, CA).

 

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Upcoming History San José Family Days will include:

 

Saturday, April 20: Earth Day / Arbor Day:  There will be a concert by Linda Tringali, and Archaeology Dig with the Stanford Archaeology Students, and Litter Pick Up of Kelley Park.

Sunday, May 19: Celebrate Sempre Virens 150th Anniversary, visit Andrew Hill and John Muir, and Dig San José: Public Archaeology Day for children at History Park. Admission charged.

Sunday, June 19: Celebrate Father’s Day at History Park as we celebrate Historic Transportation Day with toy trains, hand car and trolley rides, sit in the Wells Fargo Stage Coach and listen to stories about early travel.

Admission charged.

Sunday, July 7:  Gold Rush Family Day:  this family-friendly event at History Park will highlight gold panning actiities for the children, which is also a great opportunity to play in water. Lion dancers will celebrate the contribution of the Chinese people to the Gold Rush. Admission charged.

Sunday, August 25 is the Fandango at the Peralta Adobe Historic Site

Sunday, October 27 is Haunt History Park, celebrating Halloween

Sunday, November 24 is the 236^th Happy Birthday San José! Celebration at the Peralta – Fallon Historic Site

Saturday, December 14 is the Children’s Heritage Festival at History Park.

 

For more information call 408 918-1047 or visit www.historysanjose.org

 

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About History San José: 

History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. 

History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112      408.287.2290

 

Website:  historysanjose.org

Blog: historysanjose.org/blog

Facebook: /historysanjose

Twitter: @historysanjose

California Art Education Association Offers Bay Area Youth Art Month Exhibition Hosted by History San José

San José, California – January 2, 2013

 

History San José will again host a Bay Area Youth Art Month Exhibition in conjunction with the California Art Education Association (CAEA) opening in the David and Leonard McKay Gallery at the Pasetta House at History Park on March 2.

 

“We are really pleased to host this wonderful exhibit of local children’s art; one day one of these artists may be included in our permanent collection! ” said Alida Bray, President and CEO of  History San José (HSJ). “Our inspiration is Leonard McKay, for whom the gallery is named. He would be very proud of the local youth, as he loved to promote emerging, local artists.”

 

Youth Art Month is a nationally recognized observance each March to emphasize the value of art education for all children, and to encourage support for quality school art programs. Supported by the National Art Education Association and in California by the California Art Education Association, the Northern Area chapter will hold the exhibition featuring some of the best art by Bay Area students, Kindergarten through Grade 12.

 

“The Northern Area of California Art Education Association is honored to bring for the second year in a row to History Park, some excellent two-dimensional and three-dimensional art for exhibition,” said Barbara Purdy, Art Department Head at Presentation High School, and chapter event organizer.

 

The curated youth art show is open to all California Arts Education Association members.  Membership is only $50. The exhibit will include awards for art in four grade-level categories: Kindergarten through second grade, third through fifth grades, sixth through eighth grades and and high school grades nine through twelve.  Awards will be given in each category at a Sunday, March 2 afternoon reception from 1 PM to 3 PM at the Leonard and David McKay Gallery at the Pasetta House in History Park.

 

Sargent Art will award prizes to teachers of the first place winners in each category. The student winner from each Area exhibition advances to the state level and one of these students, along with a parent and their teacher, will be awarded a trip to New York through the suppoert of Sargent Art.

 

The exhibition will open on Saturday March 2 at the Leonard & David McKay Gallery at the Pasetta House in History Park in Kelley Park, located at 1620 Senter Road, between Phelan and Keyes Avenues. For GPS mapping use 635 Phelan Avenue. City parking is available for $6.  The Gallery is open Saturday & Sunday, admission is free through May 1, 2013.

 

For more information visit historysanjose.org or call 408 287 2290. The Galleries at History Park are open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays, 11 AM to 5 PM, and the Museum Shop and O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor are open 11 AM to 4 PM.

 

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About History San José: 

History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. 

History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112       408.287.2290

 

Website:  historysanjose.org

Blog: historysanjose.org/blog

Facebook: /historysanjose

Twitter: @historysanjose

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History Park at Kelley Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, between Phelan & Keyes in San Jose. For GPS mapping use 635 Phelan Avenue. City parking is available for $6.  For more information visit historysanjose.org or call 408 287 2290.

Haunt History Park is Not Scary

Sunday, October 28 from noon to 4 p.m.

San José, CA – October 11, 2012 --- What’s scary about Halloween? Have no fear at Haunt History Park, on Sunday, October 28 fron noon to 4 p.m. Children will be able to trick-or-treat throughout San José’s History Park at Kelley Park in a fun, safe, family-friendly environment.

This scare-free annual event has become a tradition, with trick-or-treating, family-friendly events and arts and crafts activities. Trolley and hand car rides, games and crafts, will provide family festivities.

“This year the entire family can celebrate this historic holiday in a fun yet old-fashioned Halloween atmosphere,” said Barbara Johnston, Director of Education at History San José. “There will be plenty of activities for all ages.”

Trick-or-treating stations will be set up at the historic homes in History Park and are sponsored by the History San José Education Department,  History San José docents and History San José’s affiliates.

There will be games around the plaza along with Halloween crafts.  The Costume Parade will be around the Plaza at 2:00 p.m. and the  ‘wrap-a-mummy’ contest will take place on the Plaza at 3 p.m.

Speaking of treats, the tradition of trick-or-treating is very well known for handing out sweets. Dead Dog Hotdogs will be on hand, and popcorn is available for purchase. O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor at History Park serves San José’s own Treat ice cream. Treat Ice Cream Company has been in business in San José since 1951 and produces gourmet ice creams, sherbets, and sorbets.

Admission is free for History San José members, and only $5 for members of Happy Hollow Park & Zoo; adults are $8 and seniors are $5, children age 2 and above are $5. For more information, visit historysanjose.org or call 408 918 1047.

Kelley Park is located at 1621 Senter Road, between Phelan & Keyes. For GPS mapping use 135 Phelan Avenue. City parking is available for $6.  For more information visit historysanjose.org or call 408 287 2290.

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About History San José:
History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology.
History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112       408.287.2290

Website:  historysanjose.org
Blog: historysanjose.org/blog
Facebook: /historysanjose
Twitter: @historysanjose

History San José Honors Filipino American History at History Park This Saturday, October 13

San José, California – October 9, 2012 --- The entire month of October celebrates Filipino American History Month (FAHM). This year History San José (HSJ) will hold a series of events with activities for both families as well as adult education. This Saturday, October 13 at History Park, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., in partnership with the Filipino American National Historical Society’s (FANHS) Santa Clara Valley Chapter, History Park will host a Filipino American History Day.

This family day celebrates the heritage, and features dance performances by the DS Players from Mission College in Santa Clara (12:30 – 12:50 p.m.), Ron Quesada and Kulintronica (1 – 1:20 p.m.) and live music by the Melecio Magdaluyo Quartet (3 – 3:30 p.m.), as well as a Filipino martial arts exhibition by Suro Jason Inay (3:40 -3:50 p.m.).

FANHS will award former NBA-great Raymond Townsend with the Santa Clara Chapter’s ‘Outstanding Filipino American Award’, between noon and 2 p.m. As a basketball stand-out at Archbishop Mitty High School, Townsend went on to play basketball for Coach John Wooden at UCLA, winning numerous awards, including MVP. He was in the first round draft by the Golden State Warriors, and later played for the Dallas Mavericks and Indiana Pacers.

Townsend has since founded the RT Basketball Development League in San José, created programming for youth with special needs, and is focused on development of youth of his culture and heritage.

Also at History Park will be Filipino food furnished by food trucks: Chutney Mary’s, Yumsilog, WOW!, The children’s crafts and activities will include story-telling by author Tony Robles, a Fil-Am history scavenger hunt,  wind-chime and bookmark-making activity.

Through My Father’s Eyes: The Filipino American Photographs of Ricardo Ocreto Alvarado (1914 – 1976) is a photographic exhibit documenting Filipino American life in San Francisco during the 1940’s and 1950’s, and is inside the Gallery in the Pacific Hotel at History Park.

Admission is free for History San José members, adults are $8 each, children five and under are free, and seniors and students are $5 with valid identification. The series of Family Days at History Park is supported, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San José.

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About History San José:
History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology.
History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112       408.287.2290
www.historysanjose.org

About The Alvarado Project:
The Alvarado Project is a non-profit founded in 1998 and is headed by Executive Director Janet Alvarado. The Alvarado Project has an advisory board. It is a community-based volunteer organization of artists, students, and educators. The project seeks to foster
multicultural understanding, strengthen the community through art, cultural programs, and collect historically significant artifacts and material about the Filipino American community.
www.thealvaradoproject.com

About Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS)
Founded in 1982, the Filipino American National Historical Society is a national organization with 28 chapters throughout the United States. The Society’s mission is to promote, preserve and document the contributions of Filipino Americans to the United States and to provide education on the significance of the Filipino American experience.  www.fanhs-santaclara.org

Twelfth Annual Antique Autos at History Park in San José, Sunday, September 9, Noon to 5 PM

San José, California – July 17, 2012---Everyone loves a good road trip and with the popularity of ‘stay’cations, the Twelfth Annual Antique Autos in History Park, Sunday, September 9, noon to 5 PM, will highlight the proverbial roadtrip.

“Antique Autos is one of the most anticipated end-of-summer events at History Park,” said Alida Bray, President and CEO of History San José. “The park comes alive with people, activities…sort of like a little Sunday afternoon vacation.”

Featured this year are two presentations by Roger Allison, whose 1903 Winton was used in Ken Burns film Horatio’s Drive. The PBS special documents ‘America’s first road trip,’ the 1903 trans-continental drive by Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson, his co-driver/mechanic Sewall K. Crocker and their bulldog named Bud. In their 20-horsepower Winton, with few paved roads and no gas stations or road maps, Horatio’s drive was the trip that proved the automobile was here to stay. Allison’s presentations will be at 1 PM and 2 PM in the conference room of the Pacific Hotel.

The featured vehicles this year are 1- and 2-cylinder antique autos.  By popular request, a team of Model T club members will attempt to break their previous record of assembling a Model T in eight minutes and six seconds.

Presented by the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club and History San José, the Twelfth Annual Antique Autos in History Park event will fill History Park at Kelley Park in San José with more than 200 antique autos. On Sunday, September 9, hear the ‘putt, putt’of an antique car engine, fire equipment, bicycles and motorcycles of all makes, while strolling through the idyllic setting of History Park.

“Antique Autos in History Park is much more than an antique car show,” said Allan Greenberg, coordinator of the event.  “We attempt to combine the best of all things automotive, with cars, culture, entertainment and education in the beautiful setting of History Park.”

Also located on the grounds of History Park will be the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association to provide more ‘putt, putt, putt’ engine sounds reminiscent of days gone by. The Zinfandel Stompers will provide Dixie-land music from 1 PM to 3 PM.

Portraits of the Past members stroll through the 14-acre site in 1900s costumes. Other activities include free trolley rides. Arts and crafts demonstrations and antique collectibles will be on display. Family and children’s activities will be provided.

Food and beverages will be available for purchase from Peggy Sue’s Restaurant and get an ice cream at O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor.

Also at History Park at Kelley Park, 1650 Senter Road between Keyes and Phelan, docents will guide visitors through many of the 27 historic buildings.  The exhibit “Through My Father’s Eyes” will be on display in the Pacific Hotel Gallery. The Leonard and David McKay Gallery will feature “Celebrating Local Artists.”

Admission is free and sponsored by the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club. Parking is $6.  For more information about the event contact Allan Greenberg at allang@pacbell.net or call 408 997 0879.

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About History San José:
History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology.
History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112       408.287.2290
www.historysanjose.org

SquareCrow’s Ball at History Park Benefits History San José and Second Harvest Food Bank

San Jose, CA – August 9, 2012

Most of us equate square dancing with the angst of grade school gym class or choosing partners. Those days are gone, and these days square dancing, as well as round dancing, is actually fun.

The Third Annual SquareCrow’s Ball will set out to prove just that on September 8 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at History Park.

This year’s SquareCrow’s Ball will also benefit both History San José and Second Harvest Food Bank. Tickets are set at an affordable $15 per person, or $10 and two canned goods, with proceeds going to both nonprofits.

“Folk dancing builds community,” said Jane Maxfield, coordinator of the SquareCrow’s Ball. “Dancing together is not as stupid as you thought it was in grade school. And you don’t need to know how to dance. You can learn everything you need by just coming to the Ball.”

The SquareCrow’s Ball will bring together music, food, dancing and a silent auction. Caller Scot Byars will provide dancers the opportunity to revel under the Light Tower at History Park.

“The SquareCrow’s Ball and dancing under the Light Tower brings a liveliness to History Park,” said Alida Bray, President and CEO of History San José. “This is a wonderful marriage of History Park with historic music and cultural heritage. And we are honored to share that stage with Second Harvest Food Bank.”

Live music by Fiddle Road will demonstrate a diverse musical repertoire  of a colorful blend of Celtic, bluegrass, Cajun and Ol' Timey songs expressed joyfully through guitar, fiddle, mandolin, five-string and tenor banjos, stand up bass and ukulele.

Pies will be offered by Coco’s Bakery Restaurant of Sunnyvale, coffee from Red Rock, and of course, San Jose’s own Treat Ice Cream is available in O’Brien’s Café in the Pacific Hotel at History Park.

History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, between Phelan and Keyes Avenues, at the south end of Kelley Park. For the purpose of GPS routing, 635 Phelan in San Jose, CA will direct to the south parking lot.

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About History San José: 

History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. 

History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112       408.287.2290

www.historysanjose.org

About SquareCrow’s Ball:

In early 2010 five friends who enjoy square dancing decided to put together a square dance as an opportunity to expose others to the fun of square dancing and to give square dancers an opportunity to give back to others in their community.

The first SquareCrow’s Ball in 2010 brought together members of 14 different square dance clubs and benefited both History San Jose and the Second Harvest Food Bank.  Rich Reel – of El Camino Reelers, Sunnyvale Squares, and Western Star Dancers – was the very gracious and entertaining caller who donated his services and helped make this event such a success.  http://squarecrowsball.wordpress.com/

About Second Harvest Food Bank:

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is the trusted leader dedicated to ending local hunger. Since its inception in 1974, Second Harvest has become one of the largest food banks in the nation, providing food to an average of nearly one quarter of a million people each month. The Food Bank mobilizes individuals, companies and community partners to connect people to the nutritious food they need. Nearly half of the food distributed is fresh produce. Second Harvest also plays a leading role in promoting federal nutrition programs and educating families on how to make healthier food choices. Visit www.SHFB.org to get involved.

Happy Birthday Car 124!

Come celebrate the 100th birthday of of History San Jose's signature red Trolley #124 today in History Park. All of the details are below:

Starts: Sunday, August 12th 2012 at 11:00 am
Ends: Sunday, August 12th 2012 at 4:00 pm

Part of the Family Days Series: History San Jose Members get in free to all four events!

Join Online

Happy Birthday Car 124! The second in a series of four Family Days will be Sunday, August 12th, when we celebrate Trolley #124’s 100th Birthday. Ride this signature red Trolley, hop aboard a Horse Drawn Car, or try pumping the Hand-car. Come see our Vintage Vehicles including fire engines, the stage coach, one of the first electric cars, and Model T’s.

Kids can create crafts, and everyone will enjoy the live music of the Peninsula Banjo Band at 3:00 on the plaza. Even the San Jose Giants will help us celebrate! We will be offering free tickets to that evening’s game to anyone attending the birthday party (while supplies last). Food will be available for purchase.

Location: History Park
Admission: History San Jose Members are free! $8 per adult, $5 for seniors and students with a valid ID. Children five and under are free.
Hours: 11am – 5pm; Main Activities 12pm – 4pm

History San José Highlights Both Historic Locations in August

 ‘Happy Birthday Car 124’ at History Park on Sunday, August 12

& the Annual Fandango! at the Peralta Adobe

in the San Pedro Square Market on Sunday, August 19 

San José, CA – July 26, 2012

The second of the series of the History San José’s Family Days will be on Sunday, August 12, Happy Birthday Car 124!, a celebration of Trolley #124’s 100^th birthday party at History Park. A great place for a birthday party, this signature red trolley will be running on its track, there will be a trolley car drawn by a horse, and visitors can pump themselves a ride on a vintage hand-car. Vintage vehicles on display will include fire engines, an electric car, and Model T’s.

There will be crafts for the kids, live music featuring the Peninsula Banjo Band. And what a birthday party---cake included! Even the San Jose Giants will celebrate. Party-goers can stay, picnic and watch the fireworks after the baseball game. Food typical of the Gay Nineties will be available for purchase all afternoon.

Then on the following week, Sunday, August 19, is the annual Fandango! at the Peralta Adobe, in the heart of the new San Pedro Square Market.

This date is significant in that it commemorates the death 161 years ago of Maria Luis Peralta. He was the Californio who lived in the Peralta Adobe with his family, and was one of the first Accolades (mayor) of Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe.

Typical of that era, there will be music and dancing, as well as a descedant of the original horses that were brought by the Spanish explorers. Children will have the opportunity to make adobe bricks, corn husk “pocket buddies”, candles, rope a steer and learn more about the mission and rancho period of California.

Then mark all calendars, as Saturday, October 13 is the last in the series of Family Days. Filipino-American Heritage Day, celebrating Filipino American Month in October, will honor Filipino Americans and the current exhibit, Through My Father’s Eyes: The Filipino American Photographs of Ricardo Ocreto Alvarado (1914 – 1976). The exhibition is in the Gallery at the Pacific Hotel, and is a collection of 50 photographs chosen from more than 3,000 discovered by his daughter, Janet Alvarado after his death. This exhibit offers a rare view into the daily life of the Filipino-American community in the post-World War II era in the Bay Area. That celebration will include filipino foods, dancing and music, and other activities.

The series of Family Days at History Park is supported, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San José.

Upcoming events include:

·      Haunt History Park, safe trick-or-treating, on October 28;

·      Happy Birthday San Jose! At the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House at the San Pedro Square Market on Sunday, November 18;

·      Children’s Holiday Festival with Santa Claus at History Park on Saturday, December 8;

·      the Heritage Holiday Tea is on December 1 at the Fallon House.

General admission is $8 per adult, $5 for seniors and students with a valid ID and children under five are free. Admission is free to members of History San Jose.

For more information call 408 918-1047 or visit www.historysanjose.org

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About History San José: 

History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology. 

History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112       408.287.2290

For GPS tracking, History Park is at 635 Phelan Road in San José, CA  95112.

www.historysanjose.org

History San José Hosts Series of Family Days: Gold Rush Day on July 15 Launches Series

San José, CA – June 18, 2012  – Summer is a good time to have an adventure, and History Park will provide the backdrop. Gold Rush Adventure Day will allow families to be a ‘49er for a day---as in the original gold rushers of 1849---Sunday, July 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be family activities, including panning for gold, cowboy grub (food available for purchase) and good old-fashioned music. Other activities will include the hand car, trolley rides, pony express relay and the Wells Fargo Stage Coach will be available for photo opportunies.

The second of the series of Family Days will be on Sunday, August 12, Happy Birthday Car 124!, a celebration of Trolley #124’s 100th birthday party. This signature red trolley will be running on its track, there will be a horse car, and hand-car rides will be available. The newly-acquired caboose will also be featured. Vintage vehicles on display will include fire engines, an electric car, and Model T’s.

There will be choo choo crafts for the kids, live music featuring the Peninsula Banjo Band. And what a birthday party! Even the San Jose Giants will celebrate. Party-goers can stay, picnic and watch the fireworks after the baseball game. Food typical of the Gay Nineties will be available for purchase.

The following week, Sunday, August 19, is the annual Fandango at Peralta Adobe, in the heart of the new San Pedro Square Market.

This date is signifant in that it commemorates the death 161 years ago of Maria Luis Peralta. He was the Californio who lived in the Peralta Adobe with his family, and was one of the first Accolades (mayor) of Pueblo de San Jose de Guadalupe.

Typical of that era, there will be music and dancing, as well as a descedant of the original horses that were brought by the Spanish explorers.

On Saturday, October 13 the last in the series of Family Days, is Filipino-American Heritage Day, celebrating Filipino American Month and to honor the current exhibit, Through My Father’s Eyes. That celebration will include filipino foods, dancing and music, and other activities.

The series of Family Days at History Park is supported, in part, by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San José.

Upcoming events include:
·      Haunt History Park, safe trick-or-treating, on October 28;
·      Happy Birthday San Jose! At the Peralta Adobe and Fallon House at the San Pedro Square Market on Sunday, November 18;
·      Children’s Holiday Festival with Santa Claus at History Park on Saturday, December 8;
·      the Heritage Holiday Tea is on December 1 at the Fallon House.

General admission is $8 per adult, $5 for seniors and students with a valid ID and children under five are free. Admission is free to members of History San Jose.

For more information call 408 918-1047 or visit www.historysanjose.org

   # # #

About History San José:
History San José is a non-profit organization that collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley. HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology.
History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112       408.287.2290
www.historysanjose.org

Dia de Portugal 2012

This Saturday, History Park is hosting the annual Dia de Portugal festival. There is no better event to come an sample tons of amazing Portuguese foods! You can also enjoy multiple museums, World Cup qualifiers matches, and live entertainment.

Admission is free and the event goes from 10am-5:30pm!

Archaeology Days are coming to History Park

Dig into San José’s Past – Archaeology Days at History Park On Sunday, April 29 and Sunday, May 20 from 11 AM to 4 PM

San José, CA – April 4, 2012 – Dig Into  San José’s Past with Stanford Archaeology Center students at History Park. The students will assist visitors by conducting a mock excavation, screening,  artifact identification and artifact reconstruction on Sunday, April 29 and Sunday, May 20, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

On Sunday, April 29 at History Park, this family educational program will allow individuals to collect stickers for each activity to place in Archaeology Passports and become ‘certified’ as a Junior Archaeologist. The trolley will be available for a ride around the park, as well as handcar rides. Other activities will include visits to the Print Shop and live music by Fiddle Road throughout the afternoon.

Making fish kites will help celebrate Japanese Children’s Day, and Chinese dragon hats will coincide with the reading of Chinese folk tales, such as Tales of a Chinese Grandmother.

Rae Chang and Adam Tow will be available to present their movie documentary on China’s first feminist, Autumn Gem, which will screened at 2 PM in the first floor conference room inside the Pacific Hotel.  Autumn Gem is a film about Qui Jim (1875-1907 a radical women's rights activist who defied tradition to become the leader of a revolutionary army.  She attempted an armed uprising against the Quing Dynasty and became the first female martyr for China's 1911 Revolution.

Then on Sunday, May 4 History San Jose and Happy Hollow Park and Zoo will celebrate with Kelley Park neighbor, the Japanese Friendship Garden.

Coincidentally, this year on May 4^th marks the 125^th anniversary of the fire that destroyed downtown San José’s Chinatown, where today’s Fairmont Hotel stands on Market Street.John Heinlen, a local businessman, braved death threats to lease property to the displaced Chinese people at Taylor and Sixth Streets. It then became known as Heinlenville, in what is today’s Japantown in San Jose.

Besides ‘Digging Up San José’s Past’ at the Sunday, May 20^th Archaeology Day, History San José will recognize the month of May as Asian American Heritage Month.

To celebrate Asian American Heritage, there also will be Samarai hat-making, Vietnamese lanterns, Chinese drums and more.

As  afiliates of History San José, the Ng Ching Gung of the Chinese Heritage Cultural Project (CHCP) and the Immigrant Resettlement & Cultural Center (IRCC), the Museum of the Boat People & Republic of Vietnam , located inside History Park, will be open.

For more information call 408 918-1047 or visit www.historysanjose.org

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About History San José: 

History San José is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the continuing history of the Santa Clara Valley.  HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology.  History San José aspires to provide innovative national leadership in preserving and sharing regional history by engaging diverse audiences in exploring the varieties of human experience that contributes to the continuing history of San José and the Santa Clara Valley. 

History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112       408.287.2290

www.historysanjose.org

History San Jose Hosts Children’s Day at History Park this Sunday, December 11

Looks like a great family event tomorrow at History Park:

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The holidays at History Park have become a tradition. Children’s Day at History Park will be Sunday, December 11 from noon to 4 PM. 

 

Santa will be on-hand for photo opportunities. Children can ride the trolley with Santa Claus on the 1 PM and 3 PM runs. A highlight every year is that children can experience operating the hand-cart along the tracks.

 

There will be holiday crafts and activities for children, and story times with the Snow Queen between 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM.

 

The St. James AME Youth Choir will enhance the holiday spirit by singing from the bandstand at 2 PM.

 

History Park affiliates will add to the diversity of the holiday: the Hellenic Heritage Institute, the Portuguese Historical Society of California and the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project are just some of the participants. There will be arts and crafts projects at the Umbarger House, the Markham House, the Hill House and the Associated Oil Service Station.  In addition, the Print Shop and Trolley Barn will be open, as will the Leonard and David McKay Gallery.

 

Admission is $8 per family of four, $2 per additional person; HSJ members are free with a membership card. History Park is located at the corner of Senter Road and Phelan Avenue, at the south end of Kelley Park. City of San Jose regular parking is $6; seniors, active military, and handicap parking $2.

Halloween @ History Park

On October 30th (the day before Halloween) San Jose's History Park is hosting a family-friendly Halloween party featuring Trick-or-Treating, a costume parade, and all of the standard attractions that History Park has to offer such as the trolley. It's a great excuse to take your kids Trick-or-Treating twice this year and enjoy some San Jose-made Treat ice cream.

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Haunt History Park is Not Scary

Sunday, October 30 at Kelley Park

San José, CA – October 5, 2011–

Children will be able to trick-or-treat throughout San José’s History Park at Kelley Park in a fun, safe, family-friendly environment.  Families can celebrate one of the year’s most exciting holidays on Sunday, October 30 from noon to 3 p.m. 

This scare-free annual event has become a tradition and is back again, with trick-or-treating and family-friendly events and arts and crafts activities.

“Families can celebrate one of the year’s most exciting holidays at a non-scary old-fashioned Halloween Party,” said Barbara Johnston, Director of Education at History San José. “There will be plenty of activities for all ages.”

Stations will be set-up throughout History Park at the historic homes in History Park.  The admission fee is $8 per person, children and adults, and includes trick-or-treating throughout History Park, trolley car rides, games and crafts, puppet shows, play areas.

Members of History San José and/or Happy Hollow Park & Zoo are $3.00 per person.

Trick-or-Treating hours:

History Park 12:00 pm– 3:00 pm

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Costume Parade around the Plaza 2:00 pm

For more information, visithistorysanjose.org or call 408 918 1047.

The  ‘wrap-a-mummy’ contest will take place on the Plaza in the Park at 2:30 p.m. History San José affiliates in each of the historic homes will offer treats to trick-or-treaters.

Speaking of treats, the tradition of trick-or-treating is very well known for handing out sweets.  O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor at History Park serves San José-made Treat ice cream. Treat Ice Cream Company has been in business in San José since 1951 and produces gourmet ice creams, sherbets, and sorbets.

Kelley Park is located on Senter Road, between Phelan & Keyes. City parking is available for $6.  For more information visit historysanjose.org or call

408 287 2290. or call Happy Hollow Park & Zoo at 408 794 6400 or visitwww.hhpz.org

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About History San José: 

History San José is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the continuing history of the Santa Clara Valley.  HSJ manages one of the largest and most comprehensive regional history collections in the State of California, from 1784 Spanish governmental records to twenty-first century Silicon Valley technology.  History San José aspires to provide innovative national leadership in preserving and sharing regional history by engaging diverse audiences in exploring the varieties of human experience that contributes to the continuing history of San José and the Santa Clara Valley. 

History San José     1650 Senter Road     San José, CA  95112   

East Side Taco Festival of Innovation

Now this is interesting. 30 trucks serving innovative tacos in the east side. Everything from old school Mexican tacos to modern fusion tacos to ice cream tacos! It's being billed as the largest taco event in America and I can't wait to see how this one turns out. Based on Moveable Feast's track record, I think this is going to be guaranteed good times!

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Saturday, October 22 · 11:00am - 4:00pm

The largest taco event in America. Up to 30 of the most innovative food trucks selling Mexican tacos, Korean tacos, ice cream tacos, and more! Incredible live music. And a "Food Truck Startup" pavilion with everyone you would need to work with to get your dream going.

TACO TRUCKS (MORE TO COME)
Adam's Grub Truck
Architects Kitchen
BBQ Kalbi - Korean
Big Shrimp'n - Shrimp
House of Siam - Thai
Iz It - Hawaiianese
Louisiana Territory - Cajun
MoBowl - Nori
MoGo BBQ - Korean
No Way Jose - Mexican
Seoul on Wheels - Korean
Tac Gos - Mexican
Tacos Los Altos - Mexican
Tandoori Chicken USA - Indian
Tequila Taco - Mexican
The Wow - Filipino
Treatbot - Ice Cream

TACOLYMPICS (MORE TO COME)
Air Accordion
Jalapeno Eating
Lucha Libre
Urban Dictionary

We are also launching a taco into space.

$10 General Admission
$4 Youth Admission (6-12)
FREE Youth Admission for ages 5 and under


History Park

1650 Senter Road

San Jose, CA

Link to Facebook page.

Dia de Portugal Celebration this Saturday in History Park!

Last weekend San Jose had a terrific celebration of Greek culture, and this weekend it's Portugal's turn. We're really lucky to live in such an ethnically diverse city and to be able to emerse ourselves in so many different cultures!

This is an event that is dear to my heart since both of my parents emigrated from the Azores to San Jose about 35 years ago. Dia de Portugal will be filled with tons of great Portuguese food (you must try authentic linguica if you've never had it before), Portuguese wines, beers, art, music, dancing, and some really interesting cultural events. They will also be featuring a new exhibit in the Portuguese Heritage Museum that documents the migration of Portuguese people to California and Hawaii. Admission is free and children of all ages are welcome.

For more information, click here for the Dia de Portugal website.

This video is almost all in Portuguese but shows some of the cultural booths and events.