home
the history
the project
the exhibits
the plaza
the tour
the park
the need
the donors
wall of honor
friends 2007
board of directors
photo albums
directions

PHSC
P.O. Box 18277
San Jose, CA  95158

The Portuguese Historical Museum opened on June 7, 1997, just a few days before Portugal Day, which is commemorated on June 10.  The museum is one of the major attractions of the History Museums of San Jose Park. In keeping with the theme of the historical park, which depicts life as it was in the Santa Clara Valley (now nicknamed Silicon Valley) at the turn of the 20th century, the Portuguese Historical Museum is a replica of the first permanent império built in San Jose circa 1915 on the present site of the I.E.S. Hall on East Santa Clara Street and U.S. 101.

The Império, like many of its counterparts in the Azores, was built to honor the Holy Spirit. It also served as the center of much social and religious activity. In San Jose at the turn of the century, it represented the continuation of celebrated traditions which helped make the immigrants' transition from the old world to the new easier by maintaining strong bonds to their heritage.

The Império consists of approximately 1600 square feet of exhibit space on the ground floor. This is where the majority of exhibits are be displayed, with emphasis on the reconstructed altar in the Império. The altar serves as the backdrop for the explanation of the significance of the Holy Ghost celebrations.

Another major showpiece is an etched glass map depicting the Portuguese world. This beautiful piece graces the entrance of the museum, and through its view, visitors are introduced to Portuguese history and culture. Handcrafted natural wood cases house the ever-changing exhibits on display.

Besides the altar and etched glass map, the other main attraction on the ground floor will be a computerized Family Album. Here will be recorded the family histories of thousands of immigrants and their families who have contributed to the development of California. This online archive will be constantly updated so that it will become a contemporary chronicle of the lives of today's immigrants as they continue to shape the communities in which they live. Museum visitors will be able to look up the lives of relatives and friends, see their pictures, read their diaries, see maps and pictures of the places from whence they came, and read their exciting stories as they struggled to make a life for themselves and their descendants.

The museum basement will also house exhibits, as well as a small theater. This will allow the museum to play many of the planned video stories of the Portuguese history and culture.

Portuguese Heritage Society of California
P.O. Box 18277
San Jose, California 95158

Copyright © Portuguese Heritage Society of California 1996-2008.  All Rights Reserved.

home page
a história
o projecto
a exposição
a praceta
uma vista
o parque
a necessidade
os benfeitores
mural de honra
amigos 2007
directores
albums
localização

PHSC
P.O. Box 18277
San Jose, CA  95158