Portuguese Historical Museum
Representing the continuation of celebrated traditions that helped make easier the immigrants traditions from the old world to the new.
Welcome to the Portuguese Historical Museum, the replica of the first permanent 'imperio' (Chapel to the Holy Spirit) built in San Jose circa 1915. This museum is one of the main focal points of San Jose's History Park. Going with the theme of the park, the museum explores what life was like at the turn of the 20th century in the area, but specifically for the Portuguese community.
The building holds 3200 square feet of exhibit space, with a ground floor and basement floor. It was built to honor the Holy Spirit and serves as the center of social and religious activity for this community. The exhibits within explore historical events such as the 1957 volcanic eruption on the Azorean island. They also cover topics such as folklore, marching bands, Portuguese in the Gold Rush, and Portuguese in the whaling industry. Some past exhibits include Life in the Old Country, Coming to America, and Making a Living. There is a theater in the basement that shows digitized artifacts there isn't room for within the building, as well.
Outside you will find the Plaza, a truly gorgeous area holding 2 grand bandstands and a reproduction of Rosa dos Ventes, the compass located at the Monument of the Discoveries in Lisbon.
