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Dear Friends of History San José,
In historical circles February is an important month of celebration and remembrance. First, Black History Month celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to American History. February was selected for being the birth month of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, who delivered the Emancipation Proclamation. Which brings us to our second holiday: President’s Day, which was created in 1971 by the Federal Government as the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. The holiday commemorates both George Washington’s birthday, February 22, 1732 and Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, February 12, 1809. Why do I mention these two observances? Because the current administration is trying to alter or erase the stories these holidays are meant to commemorate!
In November of last year, the American Battle Monuments Commission removed the two panels dedicated to the history of African Americans in the U.S. military from the Netherlands American Cemetery and Memorial at Margarten. The cemetery is the only American military cemetery in the Netherlands and is the resting place of 8,301 American casualties from World War II including 174 African Americans like Medal of Honor recipient Willy F. James Jr.
On January 22, 2026, the interpretive panels regarding slavery at The President's House in Philadelphia were removed by the National Park Service. The panels, which documented the lives of the following enslaved people—Oney Judge, Hercules, Austin, Christopher, Giles, Joe, Moll, Paris, and Richmond—enslaved by George and Martha Washington, were taken down following a directive to review content at all federal historical sites. How can you tell the full story of the President’s House without telling the full story of all of its residents and the unpaid labor that provided the foundation? Both erasures were caused by an executive order titled “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History.”
I am saddened and angered by the impact of this executive order, and feel called to reaffirm HSJ’s mission and vision. As a historical organization whose vision is to ensure that everyone feels a part of the ongoing story of San Jose and Santa Clara County, it is important for us to speak up about these erasures and continue to work toward telling the full story here!!
Speaking of making sure that the American story is told truthfully, I would like to share some good news:
Way back in my August letter I mentioned that History San José and Liberty Hall Museum (my former museum) would be submitting a proposal for the AASLH/NCPH Annual Conference on how different states manage the teaching of revolution, from the point of view of California and New Jersey. I am happy to say that our proposal has been accepted, and we will be presenting our panel session this September at the 2026 AASLH/NCPH Annual Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. We are thrilled to have been among the third selected to present within a competitive pool of applicants!
As we continue to advocate for a full telling of U.S. history, we hope you will join us in supporting our work. I know that there are some people out there who will ask, why support a historical organization when there are so many other prominent issues that I can support? I understand that everyone only has so much to give but hear me out! There are not many historical organizations that are as unique as History San José. Our institution, which celebrates the cultural diversity and heritage of San Jose and the Santa Clara Valley, is needed at a time like this. Where else can gen alpha explore the similarities and differences of a one hundred and fifty year old home during a school program, grandparents share their stories with their families at exhibits like South Bay Flashback, Kpop Dancers follow the ancient practice of Lion Dancing at the South Bay AANHPI Festival, or visitors experience the sounds of of San Pedro Square Market float over tours of the Gonzales/Peralta Adobe, the oldest home in California? History San José offers places you can see our past and our future celebrated side by side!
It is our responsibility that the past is not erased so the future can understand the true story of who we are!
Bill Schroh, Jr.
President & CEO
| | Upcoming Events at History Park | | President's Week at History Park | | | | |
Join us for Welcome In Weekdays: President's Week, our free extended building hours at History Park. From February 16th to February 20th, select Historic Houses and Museums will be open from 12:00pm - 3:45pm, free to visit, and staffed with knowledgeable docents.
Welcome In Weekdays are offered in addition to our daily park hours 9am to 4pm, and our regularly scheduled weekend building hours.
For more details about the buildings and exhibits that will be open, visit our social media pages @historysanjose on Instagram and Facebook.
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Join HSJ, Mosaic America, and ChAle for the 4th annual Women's Heritage Day at History Park!
🗓️ Saturday, March 7
🕰️ 12:00 - 4:00 PM
📍 History Park
🎟️ FREE!
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Thanks to our sponsors:
San José Office of Cultural Affairs
Marianne & Carl Salas
Councilmember Anthony Tordillos
Councilmember Michael Mulcahy
Western Site Services
County Supervisor Otto Lee
Shannon Wass & Shamil Patel
Yelp
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Sponsorships are still available!
Contact cgordon@historysanjose.org for more information.
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Performing artists and speakers from Women's Heritage Day, 2025.
Photos by Tasi Alabastro
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Our Spring Eggstravaganza returns to History Park on Saturday, March 28.
Join us for egg hunts, crafts celebrating Spring around the world, face painting, balloon artists, photos with the Easter Bunny, and much more.
📆 Satuday, March 28
🕰️ 11am to 3:30pm
📍 History Park, 1650 Senter Road in San Jose
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Summer Camp Returns to History Park in 2026
Mark your calendars! HSJ's Time Travelers Summer Camp will be departing on our next chrononaut adventure on June 15.
Registration now open!
Use code EARLYBIRD26 $45 off of your registration until March 2026. Early bird discount may be stacked with HSJ Member & sibling discounts.
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Virtual Open House for Teachers
Come and learn what we have in store for the 2026-2027 school year. Attendees of this Open House receive an exclusive chance to pre-register before registrations publicly open on our website.
The info session will be approximately 30 minutes with time for Q&A afterward.
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Groupon Membership Deal
Snag a great deal on a Historian-level HSJ Membership with our Groupon special!
Historian Membership benefits include six tickets to our annual Members Red, White, and Blue picnic, and discounts on our Time Travelers Summer Camp, in O'Brien's Ice Cream Parlor, and G&A's Gift Shop.
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Visit HSJ at the Carmela and Thomas Fallon House during San Pedro Superfest
We will be hosting an Open House, including free building tours of the Carmela & Thomas Fallon House, one of the first mansions built in San Jose!
Saturday, February 7: 12:00 - 4:30pm
Sunday, February 8: 12:00 - 3:30pm
| The Fallon House is located at 175 Sharks Way, formerly St. John Street, across from the San Pedro Square Market. | | | Collections Center: New Acquisitions | |
While most of the time, History San José collects artifacts reflecting the work and play of Santa Clara Valley citizens like mowers, baseballs, and fruit lugs, sometimes we are offered unusual decorative arts objects. On January 5, the Collections team: Curators Ken Middlebrook, David Tharp, and Katrina Anderson drove to Hollister to accept an extraordinary collection of mostly 19th and 20th century artifacts from the estate of Alden and Geraldine Simmons. There are about 200 pieces including vases, figurines, snuff bottles, and a Mid-Century Modern light fixture. Please enjoy some of the already cataloged artifacts:
| | Art Deco Henry Pinaud make-up jar, c. 1935 | 9th century Korean vase, 800-900 | | Chinese duck-form teapot, c. 1906 | |
Resto Shop Talk with Allan Greenberg:
United-Allis Chalmers Tractor (Part 1)
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This month’s Resto Shop Talk article departs from earlier articles by focusing on a current, ongoing project. The shop crew was asked to bring a 1929 United–Allis Chalmers tractor from the museum’s collection back to life. The tractor was donated to History San José in 1971 and has been stored in the museum’s warehouse since then.
Around 1928, a group of industrialists operating under the name United Tractor & Equipment Co. of Chicago, Illinois, approached Allis Chalmers to build a tractor to replace the Fordson line that United had been selling. Allis Chalmers subsequently produced the first 7,500 United–Allis Chalmers tractors using flathead Continental engines—one of which, serial #945, is the subject of this article.
The United-Allis Chalmers came to the shop on a trailer and subsequently moved into the shop.
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Two major issues were identified that would need to be addressed. First, the rear and front wheel cleats would need to be removed, since the tractor cannot be operated on the asphalt surfaces in History Park with the cleats installed. Second, the engine was found to be frozen; it could not be turned over by applying force to the hand crank.
Work began with one team removing the cleats. Some of the bolts holding the cleats to the wheels came off easily, while others required significant force. A few bolts were so stubborn that they had to be cut off with a torch. In the end, all the front and rear cleats were successfully removed.
| | Another team worked on freeing the engine. The cylinder head was removed, along with the intake/exhaust manifold and the valve covers. It was evident that the engine had been exposed to the elements, resulting in rust in one or more cylinders and on the valves | | |
The valves, however, were successfully removed. Penetrating oils were applied over a period of weeks to the cylinders, but the engine remained frozen. A local engine mechanic provided a tool designed to break the piston free and it worked.
To be continued.
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Support HSJ's Restoration Shop
The Restoration Shop is funded entirely by donations. Please support the work of Allan and his team of volunteers by donating below.
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Join Our Board: Help Shape the Future of History San José!
If you're ready to help guide an organization that matters to Silicon Valley's cultural fabric, we'd love to hear from you.
The Commitment: Three-year term with six meetings per year, plus opportunities to engage with our programs, events, and the community we serve.
Interested?
Contact Bill Schroh, Jr. bschroh@historysanjose.org 408-918-1041
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Remembering Barbara Hawkins
Longtime HSJ supporter and volunteer Barbara Hawkins passed away in December.
Barbara and her husband Jack Hawkins were active with HSJ's lectures and events, alongside our co-founder Clyde Arbuckle.
In celebration of Barbara's life, we are sharing a artifact from our archives announcing Barbara's wedding in 1948 (pictured left).
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Request for Photos
HSJ is seeking photos of the interior of the San Jose's Victorian City Hall (pictured left) from 1889-1958 to verify the provenance of an artifact.
Do you have physical or digital interior photos in your personal collection? Email bschroh@historysanjose.org
Thank you for supporting our research!
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Donation Request: New or Gently Used Crayons & Construction Paper
Our Education Department is looking for donations of new or gently used crayons, and construction paper.
The crayons are used during our public programs, and our Valley of Heart's Delight School Program.
The construction paper is also used from craft projects during public programs.
Thank you for your support!
Please contact info@historysanjose.org to coordinate your drop off.
| | | Host your next company offsite with HSJ | | |
Looking for a meeting space that inspires fresh thinking? History Park and the Carmela and Thomas Fallon House offer a unique alternative to typical conference rooms.
Our versatile indoor and outdoor spaces provide the perfect setting for productive offsites, team retreats, and strategic planning sessions.
Contact us to explore our spaces: events@historysanjose.org | 408.918.1048
| | G&A's Gift Shop Spotlight: | |
New Item:
Green Tree Jewelry
Looking for some eco-friendly flair to add to your outfit? Look no further than our new Green Tree earrings!
Design options include vinyl records (a nod to South Bay Flashback), books, California bears, and more!
Visit G&A's Gift Shop at History Park
open Saturday & Sunday
11:30am-3:45pm and during Welcome in Weekdays: President's Week, 2/16 - 2/20, 12:00pm - 3:45pm
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Doing some winter organizing? Donate your used books to History San José!
We are seeking used book donations to sell in G&A's Gift Shop, and to stock in our Free Little Library in History Park. We are especially seeking books on local history.
Interested in donating? Contact Visitor Experience Manager Samantha Robinson at srobinson@historysanjose.org or 408.918.1047
| | Chinese Historical & Cultural Project | | | | |
Lunar New Year
Year of the Horse Festival
🗓️ Saturday, March 14
🕰️ 11:00am - 4:00pm
📍 History Park
🎟️ Free
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Lion Dance Teams, Chinese Cultural Dances and Music, Martial Arts Demonstrations, Chinese Calligraphy, Children's Hands-on Crafts & Games, and much more! Plus Food Trucks, O'Brien's Ice Cream Store, Trolley Rides, and visit the Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM).
| | African American Heritage House | |
Black in Tech: Early Pioneers and the New Vanguard
🗓️ Saturday, February 28
🕰️ 12:00pm - 3:00pm
📍 Empire Firehouse at History Park
| | La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley & African American Heritage House | | | |
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Afro Latino Festival
Save the date for our second-annual Afro Latino Festival! Join us in San Jose for a vibrant celebration of Afro-Latin flavor, art, music, and community!
🗓️ Saturday, March 21
🕰️ 12:00pm - 6pm
📍 History Park
🎟️ Free
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Membership
Interested in joining or renewing your membership?
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Book HSJ for
Festivals, Fundraisers, & Parties
Reserve your date for 2026 event rentals at History San José!
Whether you’re looking for the charming backdrop of History Park or a downtown setting at the Fallon House, our venues are perfect for workshops, parties, corporate gatherings, and more. Secure your spot today!
Plan now to create memories that last a lifetime. Please fill out this form for more information and send it to events@historysanjose.org.
Let us help you host your event in San José’s most historical setting!
| | | Photo by Maharus Photography | |
Planning a wedding?
Visit our newly updated weddings webpage!
If you dream of a wedding with unparalleled charm and distinctive character, look no further than History Park!
We are proud to offer a
unique setting for any
wedding celebration; be they
ceremonies, receptions,
elopements, vow renewals -
our team would love to help
make your special day even
more unforgettable against
the backdrop of the
Bay Area’s hidden gem.
| | History San José Walking Tours | | | | |
History Park
Wednesdays & Fridays | 1:00 pm
Tours are by reservation only through HSJ's website and are limited to 15 people.
$12 Adults | $10 Seniors
$10 HSJ Members (with ID number)
$6 Children under 12 yrs.
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The Gonzales/Peralta Adobe and
The Carmela & Thomas Fallon House
Saturdays & Sundays | 12:00 noon & 2:00 pm
Tours are by reservation only through HSJ's website and are limited to 15 people.
$12 Adults | $10 Seniors
$10 HSJ Members (with ID number)
$6 Children under 12 yrs.
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Mark Your Calendar for our 2026 Events! | | |
February 25: Virtual Open House for Teachers
March 7: Women’s Heritage Day
March 28: Eggstravaganza
May 10: Mother’s Day Tea
May 16: South Bay AANHPI Festival
June 15-26: Time Travelers Summer Camp
July 4: Members' Only Red, White & Blue Picnic
August 1: Spirit of ‘45
September 12: Cars in the Park
October 8: Valley of Heart's Delight Annual Fundraiser
October 23: Slash N’ Sip
October 24: Children’s Halloween Haunt
November 7: San José Roots
December 5: Heritage Holiday Tea
December 11: Gingerbread Village Workshop
December 19: Heritage Holiday
| | If you have not already, follow us on our socials to stay up-to-date on all things HSJ! We post our weekend schedule of events, open buildings, other Park activities, and of course more about local history on our social media platforms. | | Add us to your contact list to make sure you don't miss out on the many happenings at HSJ! | | | | |
