Name Tags
Please bring name tags (first name only in large lettering) for students, chaperones and teachers to wear during tours and programs.

Where to Meet, Where to Park
At History Park (in Kelley Park), meet your museum guide at the main entrance off Senter Road. Use the City parking lot on Senter Road between Alma and Phelan Avenues. The museum entrance is at the back of the lot. Weekday parking is free; weekends, holidays and every day during the summer costs $6 per vehicle (school buses are free). City parking fees and schedules may change without notice.

At the Peralta Adobe - Fallon House Historic Site, meet your guide outside the museum office. There is limited free parking in the small lot next to the museum office. If there is not enough room in that lot, you are responsible for any fees associated with parking at the nearby municipal lots (approximately $6 per car).

Chaperones are a Must, and Free!
Chaperones help us provide you with a quality experience while at HSJ. One chaperone for every ten students is required for all programs. Some programs require additional adults to help or lead program activities.

Munching at the Museums
Sorry, food and drinks are not allowed in museum buildings and there are no indoor eating facilities. However, you are welcome to picnic on our lovely grounds. Please bring bag lunches and drinks with you.

Backpacks
Due to the fragile nature of museum exhibits in small spaces, please have students leave their backpacks at school. They will not be allowed on museum tours.

Museum Store and O'Brien's Cafe – History Park (in Kelley Park)
Students are invited to shop in the Museum Store and O’Brien’s Cafe (History Park only). The Store provides an excellent selection of books, educational toys and materials, and gift items. Please allow extra time after your program to visit the shop; it takes 45 minutes to serve a class of 30 students. Stores open at 11:00 a.m., or earlier with advance request. Teachers receive a 10% discount in the Museum Store.

Suggestions for Small Classes

If you are interested in booking a program or tour, but your class size does not meet our minimum requirements, please feel free to make your own arrangements to combine with another small class. Be creative - contact a colleague at another school, perhaps they’d want to share a field trip.

Extend Your Stay

Visit the Pacific Hotel Galleries to see our current exhibits, Artists for Hire: Painting for the Market in the Santa Clara Valley on view through July 4, 2005; and Macau - Universal Heritage: Celebrating a Unique Architectural Duality on view through July 31, 2005. And don't forget, History Park's location is within walking distance of the Japanese Friendship Garden and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.

Scholarships

History San José makes every effort to obtain funding to help underwrite the cost of field trips and school programs provided by the museum. Please call the Education Office 408-918-1040 for further information.

Many History San José programs take place outdoors and have alternative activities for rainy weather. Please have your students dress accordingly during rainy months - umbrellas and jackets are recommended. DO NOT cancel your visit without contacting HSJ first. If HSJ must cancel your trip, we will make every effort to reschedule your group, but we cannot be responsible for your transportation arrangements.

Questions?
Call: (408) 918-1040 or email us