History Park Open – CAH Museum Closed (thru Dec 31)

Starts: June 22, 2020 at 9:00 am
Ends: September 20, 2020 at 3:00 pm

Location: 635 Phelan Avenue, San Jose, CA 95112
Admission: Free

History San Jose plans to reopen History Park to the public for walking, running, bicycling and picnics as of June 22, 2020. There is no fee to enter History Park and visitors are encouraged to come and enjoy the grounds and gardens. All of the historic buildings will remain closed at this time.

The Park will be open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm (some holidays excepted).

History San Jose has completed preparations that follow State guidelines that were released for Outdoor Museums and Galleries on May 12, 2020. History San Jose has implemented these policies with the safety of visitors, volunteers and staff in mind and to further minimize the possibility of disease transmission within our community.

• Visitors must wear protective face masks at all times while inside History Park
• Social distancing of six feet will be strictly encouraged
• All Historic Buildings will remain closed
• All Public Facilities will remain closed: The Pacific Hotel restrooms, O’Brien’s Candy Store & Ice Cream Parlor, G&A’s Gift Shop

History San Jose staff will ask individuals not abiding by these policies to leave History Park.

Parking: Park for free on local streets or use the San Jose city parking lot on Phelan Avenue ($6 fee).

Directions: Exit Highway 280 at 10th St., then go south on 10th St., left on Keyes St., right on Senter Rd., left on Phelan Ave. History Park entrance is ahead on left; visitor parking lot ($6 fee) is straight ahead at end of Phelan Ave.

Bus: VTA Bus line 73 stops at Senter Rd. and Phelan Ave., half a block from the History Park entrance.

The Chinese American Historical Museum (CAHM) will be CLOSED due to the COVID-19 coronavirus health situation.

Meanwhile, please view a slideshow of the museum or take a virtual tour of the museum.

The following is a message from History San Jose (HSJ) President & CEO Bill Schroh, Jr. on June 19, 2020:

Certificate of Manumission for Sampson Gleaves, signed on November 14, 1854; recorded in Santa Clara County November 10, 1855 (History San Jose Collection)

Dear Friends of HSJ:

As America mourns the tragic death of George Floyd, and the Black Lives Matter movement shines a light on racism and social injustice in the United States, History San José stands with people of color. The current climate shows that one horrendous event can ignite a worldwide demand for change. History San José joins other museums and cultural institutions working to ensure that this moment in time is documented for future generations.

As we re-open History Park to the public next week, we want to reflect on the role of history in our lives, and how the stories we tell each other shape our understanding of the world. How learning about other cultures, other experiences and viewpoints builds empathy and makes us better citizens of the world. How studying the mistakes we’ve made and confronting them helps us to move forward to a better future.

Over the years History Park has become a place where historically marginalized people are able to share their voices and stories. History San José’s affiliate program is an example of how we can set the historical record straight. The African American Heritage House, La Raza Historical Society of Santa Clara Valley, Chinese Historical & Cultural Project, and the Museum of the Boat People & the Republic of Vietnam are among those organizations using History Park to tell their communities’ side of our Valley’s history, working to expand our collective horizons.

Through our educational programs at History Park and support of our community, History San José aims to ensure a safe space to build on the current thirst for change and equality, and ensure that the rich and diverse fabric that is the Santa Clara Valley continues to be recognized and celebrated!

Sincerely,

Bill Schroh, Jr.
President/CEO
History San José