Programs & Events

History San José Vintage Sale

Friday, September 17th
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
FREE for All
Empire Firehouse, History Park
Parking on Premise

Do you love vintage? Are you a costume and sewing enthusiast? This vintage sale is a fantastic opportunity to purchase vintage clothing from the Victorian era through the 1980s, as well as a selection of household items that have been deaccessioned – or removed – from History San Jose’s collection.

CASH ONLY! BRING YOUR OWN BAGS. NO HOLDS. DUE TO COVID-19 RULES, 10 PEOPLE AT A TIME WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE FIREHOUSE.

ALL PROCEEDS GO TOWARDS CARE OF HSJ’S COLLECTION.

United by Love, Divided by Law

Saturday, September 18th
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
FREE for All
History Park

LGBTQ+ activist Judy Rickard married the love of her life, English-immigrant Karin Bogliolo in 2008. Although they were legally wed, their marriage wasn’t recognized by the federal government due to the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. She took it upon herself to advocate for same-sex binational families like hers, applying for a green card for her wife with The DOMA Project and writing a book about her experience.

The U.S. Supreme Court in 2013 ruled section three of the Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional, allowing married, same-sex binational couples to sponsor spouses for immigration. That same year President Obama recognized Judy Rickard as a Cesar Chavez Champion of Change for Immigration and she spoke on a panel at the White House.

After 2013, Judy was able to sponsor her wife and Karin Bogliolo is now a U.S. citizen.

Come listen to her story.

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Antique Autos in History Park

Sunday, September 19th
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$10 | General
$5 | HSJ Members & Youth (6-11)

Bring the family to the largest annual antique auto show in the West. The 21st annual Antique Autos in History Park (AAHP) is presented by the Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club and History San José, welcoming all period-correct pre-1946 vehicles.

Enjoy a day of viewing entertainment and fun with the Early Day Gas Engine and Tractor Association, displays of craft and antique collectibles, music, dancing, fashion, a trolley ride, museums, and kids’ hands-on activities.

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History Park’s Halloween Haunt Light Show

Every Weekend in October 2021
5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
$10 | General
$ 5 | Youth (6-11)

Every weekend evening in the month of October, from 5:30 to 9 pm, History Park will transform into a haunted, family-friendly Halloween Party.

Guests will be treated to our brand new Halloween Epic Haunted Light Show projected on the front of the Pacific Hotel. At the top of the hour throughout the night, children will delight with the sights, sounds, and smells of Halloween. During the Epic Light Show, jack-o-lanterns, skeleton, bats, and more will amuse visitors with their Halloween songs and jokes.

Other activities throughout the evening will include History San José’s Halloween Instagrammable Photo Opportunities at the Firehouse and Plaza, food trucks by Moveable at History Park, a unique Pumpkin Patch (powered by the Bay Area Glass Institute), and a Spooky Graveyard near the Electric Tower. Special Halloween Treats will be also be offered for sale at O’Brien’s Ice Cream and Candy Shop.

Light Show Times:
The shows take place at 6:00PM, 7:00PM, and 8:00PM.

History Park Children’s Halloween Haunt

Sunday, October 24th
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$5 | General
$10 | Youth (4-11) & HSJ Members

Come enjoy trick-or-treating, story time, arts & crafts, lawn games, a pumpkin patch, a costume parade, and contests that involve yummy prizes. Children of all ages can enjoy a spooky family-friendly experience at History San José’s History Park.

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