Mosaic Festival today at History Park San Jose

The Mosaic Festival celebrates the diverse cultures in our own neighborhoods. The purpose of the event is to welcome and honor everyone's unique history while also creating a vision of our shared future. There will be music, dancing, vendors, food, and activities.

The event is free and open to all ages. It takes place from 10am to 6pm today at History Park San Jose.

SJMADE FEST June 1-2

SJMADE's most popular event of all time is returning this weekend on June 1st and 2nd at History Park San Jose. SJMADE FEST features over 250 makers, artists, designers, chefs, backers, crafters, and small businesses. For food, there are over 50 food trucks and vendors... a staggering amount for any event.

There are some other surprises there like a Kitten Lounge, K-Pop Plaza with live dance performances, and door prizes. The event is completely free which also makes it a great opportunity to check out History San Jose. It runs from 11am to 6pm on both days and is both kid and dog friendly (leashed). For more info, the full vendor list, and parking suggestions, head over here.

Italian Family Festa this weekend at History Park San Jose

The 41st Italian Family Festa returns this weekend at History Park. There will be delicious Italian foods, live entertainment, culinary demos, five wineries, arts and crafts, a street dance, grape stomping, and even a re-enactment of a Roman encampment complete with Italian sword fighting. 

The event will run from 11am to 8pm on Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday at History Park San Jose (1650 Senter Road). Admission is free and all ages are welcome. For more info and a full schedule of events, head over here.

SJMADE Fest May 20-21

This weekend SJMADE is hosting their Spring event at History Park. There will be over 300 vendors and several themed areas: Kitty Carnival with a kitten lounge; K-Pop Plaza featuring live performances; Maker Marketplace; Artist Avenue; and food trucks spread across Noddle Fest, Spicy Feast, and Sweets Street.

SJMADE Fest runs from 11am to 6pm both Saturday and Sunday. The first 1,000 people each day will get a door prize. For a full list of vendors and activities, head over here.

San Jose needs to rethink tourism strategy

Let's be honest: if someone flies into the Bay Area from out of the country for leisure purposes, they're probably not dying to check out San Jose. They're much more likely to spend their time in San Francisco, or maybe spend the weekend up in Napa. Next stop is probably LA. Each of these areas has a little different to offer, but one thing they all share is that there is an established history that tourists find fascinating. San Jose, on the other hand, makes most of its tourism money from hosting large-scale events, not organic local attractions.

San Jose has a fair amount of history, but very little tourist attention. In fact, I'd wager that the average San Jose doesn't even find local history interesting. They're probably familiar with the Winchester Mystery House, and some may even mention the tower on Mt. Umunhum. Would they take a visiting friend to either of these places? They'd probably take the friend to SF.

Meanwhile, organizations like PAC*SJ have fought to preserve potential historical landmarks around the city. Why aren't we seeing any changes to how these buildings fit into people's mindshare, local or otherwise? I think it's because it's the wrong approach, at least in isolation.

Preservation alone will not promote city history. People need a story

If you've heard locals complain about how boring San Jose is, or how there's a lack of culture, chances are they're referring to a way of life and customs. The same locals would look at some of the historical buildings around St. James Park, for example, and their opinion would remain unchanged. That's because the existence of the landmark can only go so far; there needs to be stories that function as a vehicle into people's minds and hearts before there is any semblance of meaning. 

This is why, although I strongly value history myself (and it's one of my most fulfilling parts of international travel), I find the city's general approach a bit lacking. I'm not specifically calling out any department at the city, just the holistic approach I observe as a local. There are plenty old buildings around, but unless there is meaning behind them, I don't think it's a foregone conclusion that they need to be preserved in place. 

History Park - untapped potential

One thing the city has done right is move historical buildings into History Park. These buildings form a small town within the park, and at first sight is fairly interesting to look at. There's a trolley that runs through it, which is pretty cool.

History Park At Kelley Park (Peter Bennett)

The problem is that most folks only visit the park when there's another event hosted there--food festivals, conventions, and galleries. There is very little standalone appeal, but it looks like it's basically San Jose Disneyland. I think this park needs to be leveraged as the the place to go to experience history in the south bay. Every school should be organizing field trips here, if not already. It should be a good way to spend a day with the family. 

Replica light tower at History Park (westmuse.org)

Here are some ideas:

• Don't keep the park free. Charge an entrance fee if that's what it'll take to fund a better experience.
• Group buildings either by neighborhood or by era, complete with roads and lamp posts to match. This makes the town feel more cohesive rather than a random assortment of buildings.
• Each interior is treated as a stationary gallery, complete with historical furnishing (for viewing purposes only). This is already happening to an extent, but I think you need a tour to experience them. I might be wrong.
• There should be some permanent references to historically significant moments related to San Jose. For example, there should at least be mention of Tommie Smith and John Carlos' Olympic moment.
• Ideally, some national brands and franchises that started locally could lend a hand. I'd love to see how Chuck E Cheeses started, or what inspired Eggo waffles.
• There should be a major festival every year on April 08 (4.08) complete with performances near the electric tower.

I'd actually prefer to leave Silicon Valley history out of History Park, since that story is still evolving and may be a better fit elsewhere. That's a post for another time.

Iconic neon business signs: better together

I love neon signs. When done right, they are so easily recognizable from a distance. They add color to our streets. Over time, they creation an emotional connection with locals who see the businesses (or at least the designs) as a part of daily life. Unfortunately we're past the glory days of neon signs, but San Jose has a cluster of these from past decades. A lot of the time, the business no longer exists. Nonetheless, there needs to be some purpose designed for these signs after they are properly restored.

Dancing Pig sign (Mercury News)

In one example, the community pitched in to save and restore the Dancing Pig sign on Montgomery Street. It was a celebratory moment when the campaign succeeded, but what happens next? What's the purpose of preserving the sign in-place if the business no longer exists, and the entire surrounding area is prime for redevelopment? One approach is to use it as a way to protest redevelopment. A much better approach, in my opinion, is to use the sign to bring joy to many more people via a new city-maintained public gallery of neon signs.

Similar to how History Park has accumulated historical buildings, I think there's an opportunity to create a memorable visual experience if San Jose can bring signs like the Dancing Pig, Western Appliance, Orchard Supply Hardware, into a central location where can all be maintained and enjoyed together. Locals can visit the signs to reminisce or for a recognizable local photo opportunity. Tourists can get a glimpse at what downtown/midtown used to feel like. 

Where might we put these? 

• Again, History Park is a candidate as a go-to spot for revisiting the past of our city. 
• Another option is to use them to bring character and design to a public gathering space, such as a vibrant alleyway or a plaza. 
• Even an existing popular destination like the San Pedro Square garage could use them to boost the existent history elements of the venue. In fact the block still has a few active neon signs, so it might be a perfect it.
• The signs can be distributed to give blander sections of downtown a bit more personality. For example, each downtown parking garage can be adorned with one of the signs. Imagine parking in the "Dancing Pigs parking garage" instead of the 3rd St. parking garage".
• An upcoming development can incorporate the signs in their ceiling, similar to how The Pierce adopted the Voxel Cloud.

Create new local tourism destinations for the modern age

History is not the only way to attract local and broader tourism. There's a lot that San Jose can do in order to create new destinations. That's not exactly a revolutionary idea, so let's start with what I think is working.

What's working

Murals

Over the last five years or so, the city has really stepped up to encourage public facing art. Participation in Pow Wow has added a lot of color throughout the city. Meanwhile, collaborations with local art collectives such as Local Color has turned some downtown eyesores into sources of joy and inspiration. From experience I see plenty of locals lauding the increase in local murals, so this is a great, relatively recent movement that has shown great success.

Guest urban installations

Two very prominent projects made their way to downtown San Jose in the past few years, and they both demonstrated how hungry local crowds were for unifying projects that enhanced place making efforts.

The Swings in San Jose (musicalswings.com)

The first example is from 2016. The Swings was an interactive art piece by a Canadian art studio that consisted of swings that were each assigned an instrument. As people swung, their swings' "instruments" played, creating a full musical experience as more folks joined in. The gallery was so popular that the month-long installation ended up being extended. Locals also observed that it turned Plaza de Cesar Chavez into a truly family-oriented space. Every kid wanted to be a part of it, and parents could enjoy the results of the piece as their kids played.

Sonic Runway in front of City Hall (San Jose Inside)

Another popular art piece was brought over from Burning Man - the Sonic Runway. The project consisted of a tunnel built out of LED rings that created different patterns depending on the music fed into it. It was a major hit, as folks from all ages, backgrounds, music preferences all came out to experience it. A few events were coordinated adjacent to it, temporarily turning City Hall into the best gathering spot over the span of a couple of months.

Even better, it enabled the community to create their own artwork. One that pops in mind is the corgi photo that reappears now and then on Reddit and Twitter. That's the kind of inspiration that the city needs to focus on, as that's what turns something from just artwork in itself into a phenomenon that locals can feel like they own, even if the project was imported. 

Can you imagine if the project was created locally and it inspired locals? That's how you create the culture that folks so desperately yearn.

What we need

Social media friendly museums

This part is going to be more controversial. I am a fan of our existing downtown museums, from the San Jose Museum of Art to the Tech Museum (which will hopefully be expanded in the near future). We also have a list of local art galleries that provide great experiences, especially during arts-focused events such as South First Fridays. We don't need to change these at all; they tend to be though provoking, quality experiences.

What I'm referring to specifically is the type of museum that can double as a casual date or family outing. Places like Color Factory or Happy Place are not cheap, but they are tightly controlled environments that provide a very obvious escape from the "real world". Most would take this to mean a photo opportunity for Instagram, but it's also something that anyone can really go and enjoy if they need a change in scenery.

Misty bubbles gallery (New Spring)

Today, anyone looking for this category of casual entertainment would need to go to San Francisco, which is another example of leaked local tourism. It's not exactly the city's decision to open these locations, but it should take a hard look at why San Jose is not considered a desirable landing spot for them. 

An iconic San Jose public art piece

This one is sort of in progress, as Urban Confluence has launched an international design competition for a landmark to be located on Arena Green. Since we have nothing material to go on, however, it's important to consider what we'd like to see.

Iconic public art work does not necessarily need to fulfill a specific purpose. In this case, the uniqueness in itself is supposed to be the story. In other words, even with minimal context, it should still be something that folks can appreciate. 

• Cloud Gate (aka The Bean) in Chicago: result of a design competition
• Urban Light in Los Angeles: started as a personal project, eventually purchased by Los Angeles County Museum of Art
• Charging Bull in New York: Another personal artwork that ended up becoming a symbol of Wall Street

We'll need to see what the design competition yields. Ideally it can draw inspiration from its surroundings or the city in general; it won't hurt to add layers to the project.

Focus on locals first, and be forward-thinking

Becoming a destination will take time. One mistake I'd hate to see the city make is to focus too much on international and out-of-state travelers, rather than spend time analyzing leakage of local tourism. How can San Jose convince south bay residents and other Bay Area locals to visit San Jose over the weekend with purpose? 

Until the city can figure out how to shed the "San Jose is boring" label by locals, there is going to be very little hope for broader appeal. Once this local leakage has been addressed, and locals know where to take visitors on any random weekend, then the tourism appeal will slowly grow from there. 

We don't have the picturesque historical structures other cities have which  provide natural tourist appeal. That doesn't mean tourism appeal is doomed, but we can build up from here. San Jose will need to think about where it wants to be in ten years or twenty years. 

After all, everything historical needs a starting point, and what's been built in the past half century has not worked. It's time to rethink how to build for the future.

-Lawrence Lui

7th Annual Taco Festival of Innovation

San Jose's epic taco festival returns for its 7th season on Saturday, May 6th. History Park will once again host over 20 food trucks from all over the Bay Area serving their vest renditions of tacos. Expect everything from short rib tacos, nacho tacos, Vietnamese shrimp tacos, and a few surprises. While you're stuffing your face, wash everything down with local craft beers.

Like previous years, there will be plenty of entertainment programming. The popular Lucha Libre wrestling match will be back along with live music. San Jose Made will also be there with local arts & crafts vendors.

Ticket prices are only $8 ($10 at the gate) while craft beer tasting passes are $30 for five 7oz pours. ($35 at the gate). Kids aged 3-11 are free as part of the presale.

For tickets and additional info, head over here!

2nd Annual San Jose Mini Maker Faire takes place September 4th

The second Maker Faire festival is coming to San Jose's History Park on Sunday, September 4th from 10am to 6pm. This family-friendly event is being run by History San Jose and will showcase makers, inventors, tinkerers, artists, builders, and crafters. It should be a great event to celebrate the creativity in Silicon Valley!

Tickets start at $12 for adults if you purchase your ticket in advance over here. There are discounts for children and History San Jose members. Prices at the door are 25% more expensive.

2nd Annual Silicon Valley Bikes! Festival and Bike Show

From San Jose Bike Party:

Join San Josè Bike Party and the Valley’s racing, road, recreation, fixed gear, cruiser, vintage, lowrider, mountain biking and cool urban lifestyle cyclists and their families for a day of fun and community building on Sunday, May 15th, 11am to 5pm at Kelley Park’s History Park, 635 Phelan Avenue at Senter Road in San Josè.

Admission to the public is $5, kids two and under are free and $5 per show bike.

• Food Trucks
• Craft Beer
• Kids’ Space
• Bicycle Show
• Free Valet Bike Parking
• Expo
• Amazing Vendors
• Talks
• Music

Electronic Sriracha Festival 2016

History Park is going to be all fired up with hot sauce and electronic music on May 29th. The Electronic Sriracha Festival (ESF) is coming back to San Jose after a one year hiatus. The inaugural event took place at St. James Park in 2014. While I loved the fact it was Downtown, the new location at History Park will allow more trucks and people to attend.

ESF 2016 will have seven hours of electronic dance music and 25 food trucks, all featuring Sriracha-inspired dishes. You can wash down all those spicy plates with an assortment of craft beers. All dishes and drinks will be reasonably priced at $6 or less. I wouldn't expect large portions, but this gives you the opportunity to pretend you're Anthony Bourdain and stuff your face at multiple trucks. A SJ MADE Street Mart will also be onsite offering locally produced goods and clothing.

The cost of general admission is $10 and kids under 12 get in for $3. There is also a $35 VIP admission which includes a souvenir beer mug and unlimited craft beer. I like that last option the most.

The Electronic Sriracha Festival goes down on Memorial Day Weekend (May 29th) from 12pm to 7pm. You can find out more over here or purchase tickets here.

Electronic Sriracha Festival 2014 from GLofrano on Vimeo.

4th Annual Taco Festival of Innovation

Mark your calendars for Memorial Day Weekend--the Taco Festival of Innovation is coming to History Park on May 23rd and May 24th! This time around, the massive festival will span two whole days instead of just one. You can expect dozens of food trucks, SJ MADE vendors, live music, Lucha Libre, and the most eclectic selection of tacos you can imagine. All of the details are below. Follow the Taco Festival of Innovation Facebook Page for future news.

This year, Moveable Feast rings in year four of the Taco Festival of Innovation by doubling up on all the taco fun! We are extending the festivities to Saturday AND Sunday on Memorial Day weekend inside History Park. This year’s theme is FREESTYLE: freestyle tacos and freestyle music!

Taco Festival of Innovation
Saturday, May 23rd, 1 pm to 8 pm
Sunday, May 24th, 12 pm to 6 pm
History Park, 1650 Senter Road in San Jose
Tickets on sale Friday, March 27th at midnight: http://tacofestival4.eventbrite.com/

If you're a #tacofest vet, expect more of the great family fun and delicious street eats you've come to expect from Moveable Feast. 

If you're new, here's what you'll find once inside:

• The Bay Area's best food trucks serving up innovative freestyle tacos
• Art, jewelry, clothing, and other various local goods from local SJ MADE vendors
• Mexican-style masked wrestling, better known as Lucha Libre, inside a full wrestling ring
• Two full days of live music and DJs, including a Stevie B Dance Party and slow jamz hour
• 90’s prom photo booth and awesome kids area
• 4th Annual US Air Accordion Championship. Yes, you read that right.

The key to the Taco Festival of Innovation is variety paired with affordability. In addition to traditional tacos, you'll see variations like Korean short rib tacos, mac n’ cheese tacos, ice cream tacos . . . if it can be put on a taco, chances are you'll see it at Taco Festival!

We also make sure that all plates are $6.00 or less so taco lovers can take in the many choices without breaking the bank.

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! Vote for your favorite taco during the day, and we'll select a number of fan favorites to be judged by our celebrity panel, arriving at . . .

one taco to rule them all.

Tickets on sale Friday, March 27th at midnight: http://tacofestival4.eventbrite.com/

Subscribe to our email list at http://bit.ly/mvblemail for more info on tickets, music, trucks, and SJ MADE vendors including special discounts.

1st Annual Silicon Valley Bikes Festival (May 3rd @ History Park)

A new Bike Festival and Show is coming to History Park to kick off National Bike Month in May. In addition to tons of bikes and vendors, the event will also feature Moveable Feast Food Trucks, Santa Clara Valley Brewing Craft Beers, a Kid's area, and free valet bike parking (cool).

Admission is $5 and the event runs from 11am to 6pm on Sunday, May 3rd.

Source: San Jose Bike Party

Silicon Valley Bikes: Passion, Innovation & Politics Since 1880 Exhibit Public Opening

Garden City Wheelmen, photographed at the 1919 San José relay vs. the Sanson Wheelmen of Stockton
(History San Jose Collection)

Starts: Sunday, July 27th 2014 at 12:00 pm
Ends: Sunday, July 27th 2014 at 4:30 pm

Location: Arbuckle Gallery at the Pacific Hotel, History Park
Admission: Free
Exhibit Sponsors: Garden City Construction, Wheel Away Cycle Center, Bicycle Express
San Jose Bicycle Club, Los Gatos Bicycle Racing Club Inc., Ampersand Ellipsis Jones LLC, Hellyer Velodrome

Bicycles have provided both affordable transportation and a social outlet around San José for over a century. The growth of clubs and organizations such as the Garden City Wheelmen led to a distinctive cycling culture within the community. Throughout the 20th century, racing events have been held at local velodromes, including the present track at Hellyer Park. Local innovations have enhanced the bicycling industry. In recent decades, community activism efforts, such as support for bike lanes and dedicated paths, have re-introduced cycling as a sustainable transportation method for the future.

Supplemented by objects from private individuals and organizations, Silicon Valley Bikes: Passion, Innovation & Politics Since 1880 will feature selected images and artifacts from History San José’s collection, including the 1842 Lefebvre velocipede, the world’s oldest human-powered vehicle.

Free Admission to History Park Today + Yard Sale From 10am-2pm

History San José to Host Yard Sale in the Park

Free Admission to History Park

Sunday, April 27, 10 AM to 2 PM

 

San Jose, CA – April 23, 2014 --- Springtime is always yard sale season. History San José will host a Spring Yard Sale in the Park Sunday, April 27 from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Admission to History Park is free for the Yard Sale.

 

The Yard Sale in the Park at History Park, in Kelley Park, will feature individual booths of used lamps, grandma’s china, toys, and a lot of other people’s wares, all positioned throughout the park.

 

Even History San José’s Collection Center is getting in on the action. There will be an HSJ book booth, offering duplicate, unuseable, or deaccessioned books for sale. There is a fairly large collection of books on U. S. Naval history and seafaring.

 

There are also several boxes of player piano rolls, and wax cylinders, mainly Edison Company, for player pianos.

 

Food will be available for purchase, and O’Briens Café in the Pacific Hotel will feature San Jose own’s Treat ice cream. Live music by Fiddle Road and other food vendors will be a part of the Yard Sale event.

 

“The Yard Sale in the Park is better than a garage sale, a block sale, or sitting in your own driveway, added Alida Bray, President and CEO of HSJ. “It’s fun!”

 

For more information call 408 287-2290 or visit www.historysanjose.org

History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, between Phelan and Keyes at the south end of Kelley Park in San José, CA  95112.  For GPS tracking, History Park is at 635 Phelan Road in San José, CA  95112.

 

# # # 

 

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

Facebook: /historysanjose

Twitter: @historysanjose

Blog: historysanjose.blogspot.com/

History San Jose Yard Sale Next Month

History San Jose is throwing Yard Sale in the Park on Sunday, April 27th from 10am to 2pm. Admission will be free to the public that day. Everyone is invited to host their own table, but the deadline to register is April 1st. History San Jose will even have their own booth with books and an assortment of items.

There will be food available (including Treat ice cream at O'Briens Cafe) and live music by Fiddle Road. For more info, check out the release below.

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History San José to Host Yard Sale in the Park

Free Admission to History Park

Sunday, April 27, 10 AM to 2 PM

(Deadline to register for a booth is April First – No Fooling)

 

San Jose, CA – February 24, 2014 --- Springtime is house-cleaning time. Right? Well, right, with a little incentive. History San José will host a SpringYard Sale in the Park. It has been said that one person’s junk is another one’s treasure. So start cleaning.

 

The public is invited to host their own table and sell their wares at the Yard Sale in the Park at History Park, in Kelley Park, on Sunday, April 27 from 10 AM to 2 PM. Host your own booth of used lamps, grandma’s china, toys, and anything else taking up space at home. Booths of wares will be positioned inside the park. The deadline to register for a booth is April 1st --- no fooling.

 

“We love to host events in our own back yard at History Park,” said Juanita Lara, Director of Events of History San José. “The Yard Sale in the Park is a great venue because we have a 14-acre ‘backyard.’”

 

Even History San José’s Collection Center is getting in on the action. There will be an HSJ book booth, offering duplicate, unuseable, or deaccessioned books for sale, as well as an assortment of other items.

 

As always, food will be available for purchase, and O’Briens Café in the Pacific Hotel will feature San Jose own’s Treat ice cream. Live music by Fiddle Road and other food vendors will be a part of the Yard Sale event.

 

Registration must be received by April 1 --- no fooling; booths for non-members are $20 each; booths for members and affiliates of HSJ are free. Entrants must register to sell, and provide their own equipment, tables, chairs, canopies, etc.  Register by contacting Juanita atjlara@historysanjose.org or calling 408 918-1045.

 

Memberships are available from $50 by contacting Michelle Powers atmpowers@historysanjose.org or 408 521-5016.

 

“The Yard Sale in the Park is better than a garage sale, a block sale, or sitting in your own driveway, added Alida Bray, President and CEO of HSJ. “It’s fun!”

 

For more information call 408 287-2290 or visit www.historysanjose.org

History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, between Phelan and Keyes at the south end of Kelley Park in San José, CA  95112.  For GPS tracking, History Park is at 635 Phelan Road in San José, CA  95112.

 

# # # 

 

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

Facebook: /historysanjose

Twitter: @historysanjose

Blog: historysanjose.blogspot.com/

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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 visithistorysanjose.org or call 408 287 2290.

History San Jose and Portraits of the Past Hosting Fashion Show

History San José and Portraits of the Past to Host

Reflections of Old San José – a Historic Fashion Show

San Jose, CA --- February 25, 2014    --- History San José and Portraits of the Past will present an historic fashion show on March 15 at 2 PM in the Renzel Room of the Pacific Hotel in History Park.  Reflections of Old San José will benefit HSJ educational programs and showcase costuming, as well as feature local historical characters.

“Portraits of the Past members always provide such a wonderful ambiance to History Park events," noted Alida Bray, President and CEO of History San José.  “We are so appreciative that they put so much effort into their costuming and performances to help benefit HSJ's educational programs.”

The historic fashion show will feature mens’ and womens’ clothing and accessories, and offer volunteers in elaborate costumes who will present vignettes featuring local historical figures. A reception of light refreshments, dessert and champagne,  will follow the fashion show.

Tickets are $25 and will benefit educational programming at HSJ. The Renzel Room is inside the Pacific Hotel at History Park, and free parking on the grounds of the Park is available. Seating is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets online  https://historysanjose.ejoinme.org/fashion

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 www.historysanjose.org or call 408 287 2290.

  

# # #   

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

Facebook: /historysanjose

Twitter: @historysanjose

Blog: historysanjose.blogspot.com/

Haunt History Park - Happening Today!

For those that want a more family-friendly Halloween experience, check out the event going on today at History San Jose:

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This scare-free event has become a tradition, with trick-or-treating, and family-friendly activities. Trick-or-treating stations will be set up at the historic homes in History Park and are sponsored by History San José and History Park Affiliates.     History Park Activities 1:00pm - 4:00pm  Ride the Trolley Trick-or-Treating 2:30pm - Costume Parade & Contest 3:30pm - Wrap-a-Mummy Contest - Sponsored by California Janitorial Supply Admission Members:  Free! Children 2 and older $5.00; Adults with a paid child's admission free.    History Park is located at 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, CA (for GPS us 635 Phelan Avenue) City parking available for $6

About History San José History San José collects, preserves and celebrates the stories of diversity and innovation in San José and the Santa Clara Valley.

Thirteenth Annual Antique Autos at History Park in San José, Sunday, September 8, 11 AM to 4 PM

San José, California – July 24, 2013---Thirteen is a lucky number for the annual Antique Autos at History Park event. This is the first year that featured automobiles will be Rolls Royces and Bentleys. At History Park for the Thirteenth Annual Antique Autos at History Park event on Sunday, September 8 will be the usual 200 antique autos and then some.

 

“This year’s Antique Autos will be one of the best ways to top off the summer events at History Park,” said Alida Bray, President and CEO of History San José. “The park comes alive with people, activities, and the cars certainly enhance the atmosphere of the historic buildings.”

 

Presented by the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club and History San José, The Antique Autos at History Park afternoon is filled not only with antique autos, but also vintage fire equipment, bicycles and motorcycles of all makes from the late 1800’s to 1945.

 

The featured vehicles this year are 100-plus-year-old ‘orphan autos,’ those cars whose manufacturer no longer exists. Think Studebaker, Packard, Stanley Steamers. But there are approximately  1,800 other companies that built cars from 1900 to 1945. Only those that are at least 100 years old will be shown in a special area.

Other special features this year will be Rolls Royce and Bentleys, and there will be a special presentation near the historic light tower at 2 PM.

 

“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 Toot Sweet Jazz Band will provide music from noon to 1:30 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 O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor, which features San Jose’s own Treat Ice Cream.

 

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 exhibitShaped by Water: Past, Present & Future will be on display in the Pacific Hotel Gallery. The Leonard and David McKay Gallery will feature Bear in Mind: The Story of the California Grizzly.

 

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 and Lucy Greenberg, coordintors of the event, 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

 

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.

History San José’s Family Days Series Celebrates Earth Day with Litter Clean Up and Archaeology Saturday, April 20 at History Park in Kelley Park

San José, CA – April 11, 2013 --- Earth Day has been observed since 1970, and nowadays it always falls on April 22. Arbor Day is April 26. The most common way to celebrate is to plant a tree, or just go outside. This year in a harmonic convergence of nature and to honor both Earth Day and Arbor Day,  History San José is hosting a Kelley Park Litter Cleanup, as well as its exhibit, Shaped by Water: Past, Present and Future.

 

History San José will celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day on Saturday, April 20 by inviting the public to a cleanup of Kelley Park. Partnering with Bright Green San Jose, the public is invited to participate beginning at 9 AM.

 

"The significance of honoring our planet with both trees, nature and water makes History Park a natural venue for a celebration,” said Alida Bray, President and CEO of History San José. "With Earth Day and Arbor Day, it is a wonderful integration with the award-winning exhibit Shaped by Water: Past Present & Future."

 

In keeping with the theme, there will be family activities and crafts for children, including making flower pots, planting ‘birdhouse’ gourd seeds and demonstrations by Our City Forest.

 

A family favorite, Archaeology Dig will be hosted by Stanford Archaeology Department Students.

 

There will be a concert by Linda Tringali at 2 PM on The Plaza. History Park will also have trolley rides available and historic homes available for a visit.

 

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.

 

Kelley Park Litter Clean Up will begin at 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.

 

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 for HSJ members, or $5 per person, city parking lots are $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:

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

Sunday, June 16: 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 activities for the children, and will celebrate the cultural diversity that the Gold Rush attracted to California and the Valley. 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