History San José collects materials that represent the social, political, economic, industrial, agricultural, technological, and cultural heritage of the Santa Clara Valley, from prehistory to the present. Materials outside the region that contribute to understanding Santa Clara Valley and its people are also collected. The collection is made up of three main groups.

California Native American Baskets Photographer: Deborah Lohrke History San José Collection

Artifact Collection

This collection includes objects created or shaped by human workmanship -- objects from Native American baskets to 1950's kitchenware; furniture; ordinary clothing to Chinese Dragon robes; hair wreaths to paintings; cars, motorcycles, and bicycles; farming and mining equipment.

These objects are now housed in a new state-of-the-art collection center.

Downtown San José, 1944 Photographer Unknown History San José Research Collection photo #

Research Collection

The research collection is comprised of records from private individuals, businesses and organizations -- objects like photographs, manuscripts, maps, ephemera, scrapbooks, film, oral histories and published works.

The Research Collection also cares for and provides access to selected City of San José and Santa Clara County historical records.

Historic & Reconstructed Buildings

These buildings are located at History Park in Kelly Park and at the downtown Peralta Adobe & Fallon House Historic Site.

Donations

Most of the collection is donated from individuals and organizations. If you would like to donate material directly related to San José and the Santa Clara Valley for the: 

• Artifact Collection, please email the Registrar or call 408/885-9512x240 
• Research Collection, please email the Archivist or call 408/918-1054. 
• Historic & Reconstructed Buildings, History San José does not accept buildings.