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Preserving the history of Portuguese immigrants|info@portuguesemuseum.org
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 * Home
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   * History
   * Project Background
   * Contributors
   * Wall of Honor
   * Board of Directors
   * History San José
 * Exhibits
   * By Category
   * By Topic
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 * Newsletters
 * Photos
   * Early Years
   * Museum Tour
 * Videos
 * Contact us

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 * Home
 * About
   * History
   * Project Background
   * Contributors
   * Wall of Honor
   * Board of Directors
   * History San José
 * Exhibits
   * By Category
   * By Topic
   * Search
 * Newsletters
 * Photos
   * Early Years
   * Museum Tour
 * Videos
 * Contact us


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Homedavide2021-01-07T17:51:50-08:00

Portuguese Historical Museum




The Portuguese Historical Museum opened on June 7, 1997, just a few days before
Portugal Day, which is commemorated on June 10 annually. The museum is one of
the major attractions of History San José. In keeping with the theme of the
historical park, it depicts life as it was in the Santa Clara Valley (now known
as Silicon Valley) at the turn of the 20th century. The Portuguese Historical
Museum is a replica of the first permanent império (Chapel to the Holy Spirit)
built in San José circa 1915. It was constructed 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.
At the turn of the century, it represented the continuation of celebrated
traditions that helped make easier the immigrants’ transition from the old world
to the new by maintaining strong bonds to their heritage.



Five Wounds Church and Império

The museum has approximately 3200 square feet of exhibit space on two levels. On
the ground floor, the emphasis is on the reconstructed altar that 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 with its view,
visitors are introduced to Portuguese history and culture. Display cases house
the ever-changing exhibits on topics such as Life in The Old Country, Coming to
America, and Making a Living.

The lower floor hosts rotating exhibits that relive historical events like the
1957 volcanic eruption off the Azorean island of Faial and the exodus of
refugees that it spawned. In addition, exhibits such as folklore and Portuguese
marching bands show how these traditions continue to be a part of
Portuguese-American culture.


EXHIBITS



Map of the Portuguese discoveries

Exhibits in the museum depict the history of the Portuguese immigrants. This
story will be framed in the context of an overall picture of the Portuguese
historical experience. The story will unfold in layers:

 * The premier position of Portugal during the time of the discoveries
 * Portuguese immigrations throughout the world
 * Portuguese immigration to the United States
 * Portuguese migration to California
 * Portuguese settling in Santa Clara Valley



Coming to America exhibit

The Portuguese story in California and the Santa Clara Valley will focus on
important cultural and historical events, such as the Portuguese in the Gold
Rush, the Portuguese in the California whaling industry, the Portuguese in
California agriculture, and the Portuguese in the construction trades. Other
stories will include the building of the Five Wounds Portuguese National Church,
the Holy Ghost festas, the benevolent societies, and the individual stories of
everyday Portuguese immigrants.

The museum will be one of constantly changing exhibits. The permanent collection
will be frequently augmented by other temporary displays from other parts of
California, the United States, and even from Portugal. The goal is to make the
museum a constant venue of entertainment and education about Portuguese culture
and history.

A theater in the basement reintroduces past exhibits that have been stored for
lack of space to display in the museum.  Digitizing these exhibits began in late
2018 and, once completed, they will be available to museum visitors in the
theater and also to virtual visitors on the Internet via our Web site.


PLAZA



Museum Plaza Compass Rose

The plaza surrounding the museum is as grand as the museum itself. Two large
bandstands, replicas of those that flanked the original império, stand as
sentinels guarding a breathtaking reproduction of the Rosa dos Ventos. This
beautiful compass, which adorns the Monument of the Discoveries in Lisbon, has
been recreated in the plaza in front of the museum. Made of beautiful Portuguese
tile by Portuguese craftsmen, it conveys to the visitor the majesty of the
Portuguese world.

Financed by individual contributors whose names are inscribed in granite on our
bandstands, the plaza is the crowning glory of the museum, and is one of the
great tourist attractions in all of San José.



MUSEUM HOURS

Sundays, 12:00 - 3:30 p.m. or by appointment.

Portuguese Historical Museum
History San José [see map]
1650 Senter Road
San José, California  95112

EXHIBITS ONLINE

We have digitized our past exhibits. In the menu bar at the top of the page,
hover over "Exhibits" and select "By Category" or "By Topic" from the drop down.
You may also choose to "Search" by keyword and/or by date range.

WALL OF HONOR OPPORTUNITY!

We’re starting a new panel in 2020 so that others may also have their names
inscribed on the Wall of Honor on the bandstands in front of the museum! Click
here for more information.

GETTING OUR NEWSLETTER?

Sign up to receive our newsletter A Nossa Herança in your inbox. Help us save
printing and mailing costs by going green. Click here to enroll.



(c) Portuguese Heritage Society of California. All Rights Reserved
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