History San José anchors the region’s diverse cultural history by offering compelling experiences — exhibitions, festivals, educational programs, and academic research — for audiences to discover the dynamic history of San José and the Santa Clara Valley. Our vision is to enhance San José’s and Santa Clara County’s regional and global recognition, ensuring the rich, diverse history of San José is accessible and engaging for all. Locally, we strive to be a key engine in building a more connected, active, and vibrant community where everyone feels like a part of the ongoing story of San José and Santa Clara County. Our mission is achieved by focusing on three main categories:

Preservation

HSJ preserves the Valley’s material culture, engaging the community in research to share with a world-wide audience. Through physical and virtual exhibits, and our extensive archive and artifact collection, we offer resources and assistance to anyone wishing to explore the Valley’s history. Restoration and preservation of historical buildings is also a continuing focus, as we have 30+ buildings at History Park and two landmark buildings at San Pedro Square.

Education

We serve more than 12,000 students annually in and around the Valley. HSJ offers theme-based school programs highlighting local history. Programs are tailored in complexity by age range and are closely linked with core standards for grades K-12. Our programs are fun and experientially unique, as they are hosted across our various historical sites as well as our Collection Center.

Community Events

Our events focus on programming that results in active inter-generational engagement, celebration, and learning through a combination of crafts, storytelling, cultural performances and family-friendly, inquiry-based tours and experiences.