The California History Center academic program serves as the vital link in the partnership between the Foothill-De Anza Community College District and the California History Center Foundation. On average, 20 academic courses are offered each year through the CHC program. Courses are offered during the day, evening, and on weekends, and most courses are transferable to four-year institutions as electives.
California History Center - Winter Quarter 2012
The following courses will be offered Winter quarter 2012 through the California History Center. Please see the History Department class listings section of the Schedule of Classes.
- Ethnic Communities of New Almaden Quicksilver Mine
- Robert Louis Stevenson in California
- Ships and Sea Traders in Early California
To sign up for a class, apply for admission and register online. For more information or questions, call the center at 408.864.8712.
Ethnic Communities of New Almaden Quicksilver Mine
Course HIST-53X 95, 2 Units
Instructor: Mary Joe Ignoffo
Description: The New Almaden mine is the site of the first mercury deposit discovered on the American continent and has yielded metal of greater value than that of any other mine in the State, producing nearly one-third of the country's supply of mercury. New Almaden was named for the Almaden mine in Spain, the world's greatest mercury producer. Until the discovery of the cyanide process in 1887, quicksilver was the chief reduction agent used in processing gold and silver, making it vital during California's Gold Rush.
Production at the mine fluctuated until 1927 when mining activity was terminated for the first time since 1849. Mining was resumed during World War II. This class will explore the mine's activity and the miners who carried out the work during the 19th and 20th centuries. We will visit the site where a few of the 1850s wooden, and mine structures, old furnace buildings and offices remain. The site became a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and part of Santa Clara County's park district in 1975.
Lectures: Mondays, Jan. 30 and Feb. 13, 4:30-7:45 p.m., CHC
Field Studies: Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 11
Robert Louis Stevenson in California
Course: HIST-54X-95, 2 Units
Instructor: Chatham Forbes
In 1879 a young writer from a staid Scottish family rode the transcontinental railroad to California in pursuit of Fannie Osbourne. The lovers were united in Monterey, married in San Francisco and honeymooned on Mount Saint Helena. The written record of their presence in California reveals superbly the scenes and conditions of that era.
Lectures: Thursdays, Jan. 26 and Feb. 2, 6:30-10 p.m., CHC
Field Studies: Saturdays, Jan. 28, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Feb. 4, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Ships and Sea Traders in Early California
Course: HIST-52X, 2 Units
Instructor: Chatham Forbes
Furs, cowhides, tallow, wheat, gold, and silver lured increasing sea traffic to California over the centuries after colonization. Soldiers, missionaries, ranchers, miners, and various others arrived. Foreign traders diversified the culture and enriched the economy.
Lectures: Thursdays, March 1 and March 8, 6:30-10 p.m., CHC
Field Studies: Saturdays, March 3 and March 10, 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.