History San Jose is a non-profit organization under contract with the City of San Jose to manage its historic collection; while we are partially funded by the City, we are neither City employees nor are we an official records repository. We offer a rich collection of personal papers, government and organizational records, maps, ephemera, architectural records, photographs and audiovisual material dating from the 1780s to the present. All of the materials have either been donated by individuals/organizations, or transferred from city or county government for long-term storage.
Guide to Property Research at History San Jose
Biographical Research Resource Guide
We are working to add our entire archives to online catalogs, but only a portion is available at the moment. If you do not find what you are looking for, please ask!
We offer a rich collection of personal papers, government and organizational records, maps, ephemera, architectural records, photographs and audiovisual material dating from the 1780s to the present. All of the materials have either been donated by individuals/organizations, or transferred from city or county government for long-term storage.
History San Jose does not sell photographic prints directly. We have partnered with Zenfolio to provide high quality prints, canvases, and gift items. You may request images from our collection be added to Zenfolio for purchase.
History Park, in Kelley Park, is a 14 acre town-like assemblage of 32 original and reconstructed homes, businesses, and landmarks highlighting the culture and history of San José and Santa Clara Valley. History Park is also home to 19 community partner organizations who each provide exhibits and programming that showcase their constituencies and contributions to the Valley.
In addition to the Photograph Collection, the Research Library and Archives holds more than 5,000 linear feet of archival records and manuscripts, architectural drawings and specifications, maps, oral histories, audiovisual materials, sheet music, and books documenting the history of Santa Clara Valley from 1777 to the present. Included are the records of the Pueblo of San José (founded 1777), the oldest municipal records in the state.
Contact us at research@historysanjose.org to schedule an appointment or ask questions about our collection. You should receive a response within 24 hours. Appointments are available Monday-Friday. We are a staff of one, so we have limited resources to answer historical questions or conduct research on your behalf. For property research, please first consult the California Room’s guide to historical property research.
History San José is a collecting institution and welcomes donations that reflect our mission. Please visit our Donations page for guidelines.
research@historysanjose.org
408.287.2290
1650 Senter Road | San José, CA 95112
