Portraits of the Past

Portraits of the Past History San Jose's "Portraits of the Past" presents a glimpse of days gone by in the Santa Clara Val Are you interested in history, fashion, or comedy?

History San Jose's "Portraits of the Past" presents shows that are visually stunning, educational, historically accurate, and amusing. The friendly, fun loving, and talented volunteers make these programs an entertaining and educational view of days gone by in Santa Clara Valley. Museum volunteers assume the roles of locally significant citizens, after careful biographical research to ensure histo

rical accuracy, and portray these characters in interesting and often amusing sketches dealing with notable events in Valley history. We do exercise some license for entertainment value, but the commentary of the vignettes is based on factual local history. Appropriate background music adds additional atmosphere to each segment. Beautiful period costumes, made and worn by performers, make the presentations particularly effective. POP conducts intensive research to ensure that the costumes are both appropriate to the era and authentically constructed. The costumes reflect all facets of life in our early history. Nearly every type of women’s garment is included, from delicate underclothing to the most elaborate ball gown, from ingénue costumes to mature dowager ensembles. Men’s clothing ranges from that of early miners to elegantly attired gentlemen escorting ladies to The Ball. These Historical shows are an ideal choice for community groups interested in a program that educates, entertains and also provides a unique opportunity for a fund-raising event. Contact:
History San Jose
1650 Senter Rd. San Jose, CA 95112
www.historysanjose.org
www.portraitsofthepast.org
Or leave a message: (408)-238-3627

POP members Janna & Elizabeth joined the Hanchett Park Living Historicals to walk in the Rose, White, & Blue Parade on J...
07/09/2025

POP members Janna & Elizabeth joined the Hanchett Park Living Historicals to walk in the Rose, White, & Blue Parade on July 4th, with the theme, "Valley of Heart's Delight." Janna's costume represented a prize-winning jar of jam, featuring all of the blue ribbons that she and her husband have won at the Santa Clara County Fair with their jam, vegetables, and flower arrangements over the years. Elizabeth re-created a fruit cannery worker's uniform apron and cap from the 1920s, referencing photos and original garments in History San Jose's collection, among other resources. Seen here with their friend Phil, who dressed as an orchard or cannery worker from the early to mid 1900s, with a replica of a Libby's brand fruit can on a pole; Libby's was one of the many brands of canned fruit that originated in the Santa Clara Valley of California.

07/09/2025

POP's spring events went well, and we are enjoying our activities this summer! Our fashion show at the Watermark on June 7th was very well received; the audience took a little while to warm up but was laughing at all our antics by the end of the show. Photos will be posted when I receive them. Several POP members participated in the Rose, White, & Blue parade through the Rose Garden neighborhood on July 4th again, and had a lot of fun with the theme "Valley of Heart's Delight"! The weather cooperated with comfortable 72 degree temperatures and light breezes, and the audience seemed to like seeing us. The rest of our summer calendar looks like this:

Ambiance and an informational table -- Shiny Side Up Bicycle Show at History Park on July 20th.

Fashion show and ambiance -- Spirit of '45 Event, History Park, on August 16th. Fashion Show from 5:30-6:00p.m.

Ambiance and an informational table -- Cars in the Park event, History Park, September 13th from 11-4p.m.

Fashion shows and ambiance -- Trails to Rails (1840-1920) event, Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum, October 25th.

Remember, we are always open to add appearances or fashion shows to our schedule; please contact us if you are interested.

Send a message to learn more

Address

History San Jose, 1650 Senter Road
San Jose, CA
95112

Telephone

+14082872290

Website

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