Portuguese Historical Museum

Portuguese Historical Museum Preserving the history of the Portuguese immigrants The museum is one of the major attractions of History San José. Hall on East Santa Clara Street and U.S. 101.

The Portuguese Historical Museum opened on June 7, 1997, just a few days before Portugal Day, which is commemorated on June 10 annually. 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 S

pirit) built in San José circa 1915. It was constructed on the present site of the I.E.S. 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. 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. We are located at

1650 Senter Road
San Jose, CA

03/09/2026
03/09/2026

Feeling creative? Enter our Dia de Portugal T-shirt contest!

New exhibit about The Azores is now online.
11/14/2025

New exhibit about The Azores is now online.

The Green Island – Known for its lush, verdant landscapes, São Miguel boasts rolling green hills, dense forests, and fertile pastures, earning it the nickname "The Green Island"

Thank you to all our board members for building the float and setting up our museum booth. The Santa Clara Parade of Ch...
10/05/2025

Thank you to all our board members for building the float and setting up our museum booth. The Santa Clara Parade of Champions & Festival was a great event. We can’t wait to attend next year. Thank you to our Consulado Geral de Portugal em São Francisco for attending this years parade an for all who volunteered and planned this year’s event!

IT'S NOT OVER! There are public meetings happening by year's end before the VTA Board of Directors, Planning Commission,...
09/13/2025

IT'S NOT OVER! There are public meetings happening by year's end before the VTA Board of Directors, Planning Commission, and City Council. Have your voice heard by visiting barttva.org and submitting your opinion!

History is important. Here's one person's take on preserving Five Wounds Church's place in the San Jose skyline.

The Catholic Church is not a building alone. It is the People who sit in pews in churches and halls and every kind of building around the world. In my 85 years, Five Wounds Church, the building AND the people, has played a central role in my life. I was baptized there. I received my First Holy Communion there. I was Confirmed there. I married my husband of 67 years there. And my funeral will be there. My parents were married there; we held their funerals there. My grandmother's funeral was there. My children have received their sacraments there. Four generations of my family have crossed the threshold of Five Wounds Portuguese National Church since 1919.

The building that is Five Wounds Church is a living symbol. It is a symbol of immigrants who came to a new land who wanted to maintain a little piece of their homeland and their language in their lives through the celebration of their faith with their families, friends, and fellow immigrants. Celebrating the milestones of their lives in community. Seeing those magnificent, red-topped towers from a distance give us pause to think of those who came before and those who will come after us. Five Wounds Church is history writ large. A community's history. San Jose's history that still lives today. Valuable in and of itself. Its prominent place in San Jose's skyline should not be diminished by buildings 3X its height.

Join the community effort Figures may be found in the complete 28th St/Little Portugal Station Transit-Oriented Development Design Development Framework beginning on page 56. Should the City of San Jose allow buildings as tall as 300 feet behind Five Wounds Church? The City of San Jose is in the pro...

Muito obrigado Miguel Ávila e Portuguese Tribune pela visita e as belas fotografias!
06/16/2025

Muito obrigado Miguel Ávila e Portuguese Tribune pela visita e as belas fotografias!

06/10/2025
06/10/2025
What a wonderful honor to have the Portuguese Community recognized at San Jose City Hall on Dia de Portugal! Thank you ...
06/10/2025

What a wonderful honor to have the Portuguese Community recognized at San Jose City Hall on Dia de Portugal! Thank you to Mayor Mayhan, Council Member Ortiz, and Council members.

We hope to see you tonight!
06/10/2025

We hope to see you tonight!

Address

1650 Senter Road
San Jose, CA
95112

Opening Hours

Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

(408) 612-8095

Website

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