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

The idea of a Portuguese historical museum had been circulating in the Portuguese community for many years. Formal planning finally began in 1989 as a project of the Cabrilho Cultural Center at San Jose State University.

In 1991, the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce of Santa Clara Valley assumed responsibility for the museum project. It even started the financial ball rolling by securing a grant of $40,000 from the Santa Clara County Historical Commission; another $81,000 has been awarded in the years since.

In 1993, the Portuguese Heritage Society of California was incorporated to assume control of the Portuguese Historical Museum project. The organization entered into a contractual agreement with the City of San Jose to construct and administer the museum to be located at History San Jose located in Kelley Park.

The Portuguese Heritage Society of California has undertaken a targeted fundraising campaign since 1993.  Several organizations from Portugal and abroad have responded to proposals with grants: The Gulbenkian Foundation of Lisbon, The Luso-American Development Foundation, The Camoes Institute, The Commission for the Portuguese Discoveries, The Foundation of the Far East and the Government of Portugal.  These  entities have contributed more than $60,000 toward the project. The Regional Government of the Azores by way of the Office of the Regional Secretary for the Communities has contributed $15,000.  Fraternal societies such as the S.E.S. Corporation, U.P.E.C., Luso-American Life, I.D.E.S. and U.P.P.E.C. have also contributed, as has the Luso-American Education Foundation.  The Stella B. Gross Foundation, San Jose Rotary Club and the California Council for the Promotion of History have generously contributed as well.  Citibank and the San Jose Mercury News have also shown their support.  To date, these grants total more than $240,000.  Fundraising activities and individual contributions have netted another $115,000 for the museum project.

The Portuguese Historical Museum is still a work in progress. There is an outstanding personal loan in the amount of $50,000 that must be repaid.

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

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

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