History as Education and Storytelling
Le Petit Trianon 21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard Cupertino, California 95014
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed July and August)
Focusing on California and regional studies, the California History Center and CHC Foundation present special events and exhibits, publish a periodical, and operate a library and archives. The center emphasizes living history, giving students and community members the opportunity to "encounter the historic site, document, or experienced individual, and personally interpret and recreate a period in history."
The center's Stocklmeir Library hosts a unique collection of materials on California history and on almost every aspect of Santa Clara Valley's development. Student interns and volunteers are currently helping to digitize and expand the collection of over 400 historic oral history recordings. With its programs and resources, the California History Center has received numerous awards and honors, and it has been recognized as an "outstanding educational facility" by the State of California.
Upcoming Events at CHC
Race, Class and Gender in Mid-1800s Mexican Versus Anglo California
Wednesday, Dec. 4- 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
- California History Center
Join us for this MOMENTUM speaker series event featuring Dr. David Howard-Pitney and Mr. Ruben Abrica, who will share observations about the roles of race, especially regarding Indigenous persons, and gender in determining socio-political standing in Mexican versus Anglo-governed California.
Many differences related to the more varied and fluid notions of race and class found in Mexican Californio society versus more binary absolutist notions of race held by Anglo-Americans. Ruben will illustrate these issues through the life of Doña Juana Briones, an Indigenous woman who achieved high status in Alta California, while David focuses on debates and decisions of delegates to California's 1949 Constitutional Convention concerning the rights of Indigenous people in early California.
Sip and Paint Fundraiser: Donors and Members Recognition Dinner
Thursday, Dec. 5- 5-8 p.m.
- California History Center
- RSVP required
You're invited to the third annual CHC Donors and Members Recognition Dinner – featuring art, food, wine and music. Community members, faculty, staff and students are all welcome to attend.
The California History Center is currently rebuilding a donor/member base. Please join us this evening!
For more information, please contact Dr. Lori Clinchard, CHC Faculty Director, at clinchardlori@deanza.edu
NEH Grant: "Voice of Silicon Valley"
De Anza has received its first-ever grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, providing $150,000 for an ambitious, three-year effort to create and expand oral history programs focused on historically marginalized communities.
Read the Californian – CHC Periodical
The latest issue of Californian, published quarterly by California History Center, is available now! Articles include a look at the Mexican immigrant experience in the Santa Clara Valley during the Great Depression, remarks on Fred Korematsu Day, the center director’s report and more.
Donate – Become a Member!
Use our online form to donate and become a member of the California History Center and Foundation.
The California History Center and Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization (EIN 88-0108599).
