History as Education and Storytelling
Le Petit Trianon 21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard Cupertino, California 95014
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Closed July and August)
Focusing on California and regional studies, the California History Center and CHC Foundation present special events and exhibits, publish a periodical, and operate a library and archives. The center emphasizes living history, giving students and community members the opportunity to "encounter the historic site, document, or experienced individual, and personally interpret and recreate a period in history."
The center's Stocklmeir Library hosts a unique collection of materials on California history and on almost every aspect of Santa Clara Valley's development. Student interns and volunteers are currently helping to digitize and expand the collection of over 400 historic oral history recordings. With its programs and resources, the California History Center has received numerous awards and honors, and it has been recognized as an "outstanding educational facility" by the State of California.
Recent Events:
Taste of History '25
The Future of the Past: Reimagining How We Do History
Tom Izu, CHC Director Emeritus
Instructor Lisa Teng and photo students
April 26, 2025 at the California History Center
A new look at the California History Center and the role of local history in the future, based on the needs of our students and how we can reconnect the communities of the past and present to create a view of the future.
Panel Presentation: CHC Director Emeritus Tom Izu will lead a conversation on the unique role of California History Center with a faculty member, a student intern, and a community volunteer.
Belonging and Identity: This exhibit combines the stories and personal art of DeAnza's Pride Center students, led by Jamie Pelusi, Pride Center faculty director, with images from instructor Lisa Teng's photography students.
Early 20th Century Everyday Life in Santa Clara Valley: This exhibit is about bringing historical archives into the present. See books, postcards, videos, and archival materials on display.
Hear DeAnza student a capella group Vocal Flight perform jazz standards. Enjoy savory and sweet catering from nearby businesses and sip wines from local producers.
NEH Grant: "Voice of Silicon Valley"
De Anza has received its first-ever grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, providing $150,000 for an ambitious, three-year effort to create and expand oral history programs focused on historically marginalized communities.
Read the Californian – CHC Periodical
The latest issue of Californian, published quarterly by California History Center, is available now! Articles include Belonging at Sunnyvale High School, 1956-1981 by Karen V. Hansen, Ph. D. , remarks how we think about the times we live in, NEH grant project progress and more.
Donate – Become a Member!
Use our online form to donate and become a member of the California History Center and Foundation.
The California History Center and Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization (EIN 88-0108599).
