Dear Friends of History San José,

This month, History Park celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and National Preservation Month with several different programs. 

As we continue to reach out to our cultural partners with new program ideas, we seemed to have missed our next-door neighbor—the Japanese Friendship Garden. The Japanese Friendship Garden was built in the 1960sas a symbol of the friendship between San José and its sister city Okayama, Japan. The garden sits just across the parking lot on the north side of History Park. Dave Yick, President of the Chinese Historical & Cultural Project (CHCP), came up with the idea of creating a cross-marketing campaign for AAPI Month to showcase all three of the AAPI cultural affiliates that are part of Kelley Park. On May 27th, the Chinese American Historical Museum, the Viet Museum, and the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts a special tour and program that highlights all three organizations.  

I am proud to say that in recognition of National Preservation Month, History San José once again is hosting the Santa Clara County Preservation Alliance Preservation Awards ceremony. Our goals for hosting the Awards Night are two-fold—to celebrate local historical and cultural preservation achievements and to bring Santa Clara County preservation groups together to meet, share, and collaborate. As the saying goes, “We are better together.” This year’s awards are special for History San José as we honor Barbara Johnson with the Distinguished Preservation Service Award for her 30 years of service at History San José. Please join us on Friday, May 19th to celebrate Barbara and all of the winners for their contributions to preserving the history and heritage of San José and the Santa Clara Valley.

Celebrating the cultural diversity that makes up San José is one of our programming themes this year at History San José. Thanks to Sam Ricci, our Visitor Experience Manager, we brought this theme to life through a culinary adventure last month during our new afternoon Spring Tea: Around the World in San José. Our tea menu was inspired by the different Affiliate groups that call History Park home. Guests sipped on Oolong (Chinese American Historical Museum) and Rose Berry Herbal Tea (Spirit of ‘45), nibbled on Pork Banh Mi (Viet Museum) and Toast Skagen (California Pioneers of Santa Clara County) sandwiches, and for dessert enjoyed Pastel De Nata (Portuguese Museum), Peach Cobbler (African American Heritage House), and Horchata Ice Cream Sandwiches (La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara County). I think our guests really enjoyed this culinary trip around the world without having to leave San José. Hope you can join us next time.  



As you can see there is always something happening at History Park! 

Bill Schroh, Jr.

President & CEO

History San José

History Park has a wide range of outdoor and indoor activities. Due to COVID-19 and its variants, masks are strongly encouraged for all indoor facilities.

History Park Walking Tours

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.

The Gonzales/Peralta Adobe and The Carmela & Thomas Fallon House Tour

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.

Events Coordinator

Part-time | Non-exempt

Hourly rate: $25.00 per hour

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with clients for pre-event set up needs and post-event tear down requirements;
• Maintain up-to-date calendars, checklists, and documentation as directed;
• Responsible for the aesthetics of the site during events, maintaining a positive appearance of the park grounds, parking lots, buildings, and equipment;
• Assist the Special Events Manager, CEO/President and other staff on special projects as requested.

To apply, email your resume to Barbara Johnson at bjohnson@historysanjose.org.

See full job description below.

Museum Educator

Part-time | Non-exempt

Hourly rate: $21.00 per hour

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Foster educational experiences for K-12 school groups across all HSJ sites and online;
• Facilitate guided walking tours of HSJ sites at History Park and the Gonzales/Peralta Adobe-Fallon House Historic Site;
• Staff public programs when needed (some experiences occur on weekends and/or evenings);
• Attend regular team meetings and training sessions to learn teaching technique for museum settings.

To apply, email your resume to Barbara Johnson at bjohnson@historysanjose.org.

See full job description below.

Have you ever come to the park for an event, school program, or just to take a walk and misplaced something? We may have your missing item waiting for you in the HSJ Office!

Please note all unclaimed items will be donated on July 10th, so if you have lost something in the past year, please give us a call or visit us during the week between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

We are so excited to announce Frida Arias has been promoted to Education Programs Coordinator! While Frida will continue to lead education programs, she will also be working behind-the-scenes alongside our Director of Education & Community Engagement Monica Pelayo Lock.

Learn more about Frida below!

I’m so excited to be the new Education Programs Coordinator for History San José. I started at the park as Educator, leading field trips for schools in the South Bay Area. My heart has been so filled with this position. I’ve enjoyed getting to know and work with everyone in the park.

I graduated from Santa Clara University with degrees in Political Science and Psychological and a minor in Urban Education. My plan was always to work in education.

Outside of the park, I recently became a yoga instructor and have been teaching classes once a week. In my free time I like to paint, explore in nature, and discover new music.

I’m excited to bring my energy to this role and be a bigger part of this amazing team.

Lincoln Law School of San Jose 2023 Scholarship Gala

May 19, 2023 | The Grand Corinthian Ballroom (196 N 3rd St., San Jose California)

If you have not already, please follow us on our socials! 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 celebrate our local heritage!