The History San Jose museum is unique because it has not only old items from different periods in San Jose history, but it also has actual houses, which were moved to the site and are open for tours!
The grounds are clean and well kept. The buildings include a working ice cream parlor, a dentists office, printers, firehouse, gas station and a variety of Victorian homes from the surrounding area.
The trolley barn is full of old trolley cars in various states of restoration. Visitors can talk to the restorers and ask questions about their work, before hoping on one of the completed cars for a short trip across the grounds!
There is even a slightly smaller scale reproduction of the Light Tower, a failed experiment urban lighting, which towered over downtown San Jose until it fell over in a earthquake.
The gift store has many books on San Jose History, including a series called "Sign Posts" which tells the history of many of the street names in San Jose.
A trip to History San Jose is a wonderful trip through the past. Its a great way to blend fun and education into a fun afternoon!!
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