Volunteer Opportunities with CHSM
We are always striving to offer more to our community and improve our operations. To do so, we rely on volunteers with expertise and experience to assist our staff and Board of Directors. Find opportunities for volunteering with the Cupertino Historical Society & Museum at the link below.
Cupertino Stories Mayor's Initiative
Cupertino Stories is a digital effort allowing everyone to help create history by sharing their Cupertino stories online. This citywide effort is made possible by a collaboration across the Cupertino Library Foundation, Cupertino Historic Society, Cupertino Mayor Liang Chao, and local residents. Anyone who has lived, worked, been involved, or done business in Cupertino is welcome to share their Cupertino story.
Upcoming Events & Exhibits Near Cupertino:
GETTING ORGANIZED FOR GENEAOLOGY
Santa Clara County Historical and Genealogical Society
Thursday, December 4, 2025, 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
In person, Redwood Room, Santa Clara Central Park Library
2635 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Register at EventBrite, Free, In Person Only
Struggling to organize your genealogy materials? This class offers practical strategies for organizing both physical and digital records and artifacts. Learn about various filing methods, digital file storage techniques, photo organization, and tech tools that can help with organization.
Get inspiration from experienced genealogists who will share examples of their organization systems, including binders, charts, photo books, and heirloom preservation examples. Not sure which genealogy software is best for you? This session will help you identify your needs and match them to the right program.
You’ll leave this class with fresh ideas and a clearer approach to organizing your genealogy.
Accessibility: If you would like to use one of the library’s adaptive hearing devices, please email beginners@scchgs.org in advance.
3RD CENTRAL COAST CONFERENCE: SELDOM HEARD HISTORY OF THE CIVIL WAR ERA
Woodbury Historical Tours
May 1–3, 2026
In person, Monterey History and Art at Stanton Center
5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA 93955
Buy Tickets, $295, In Person Only, 100 seats
Enjoy a full weekend of intriguing presentations by a stellar lineup of historians, exploring fresh perspectives on the American Civil War. The Stanton Center is situated on historic Custom House Plaza, near Old Fisherman's Wharf. The full schedule and titles of talks will be posted soon on the conference website.
Featured Speakers:
- BROOKS SIMPSON, Professor of History, Arizona State University
- GORDON RHEA, Attorney General of the U.S. Virgin Islands
- LESLEY GORDON, Professor of History, University of Alabama
- LORIEN FOOTE, Professor of History, Texas A&M University
- HOLLY PINHEIRO, Associate Professor of History, Furman University
- DAVID POWELL, Author and Historian
- DEAN CALBREATH, Pulitzer-winning Investigative Journalist
- KEVIN LEVIN, Boston-based educator, Author and Historian
What’s included: Meet & Greet and presentations on Friday evening (May 1), and regularly scheduled talks on Saturday and Sunday. Book sales and signing on Saturday afternoon in the theater lobby.
What’s not included: meals, or hotel accommodations. Secure your own lodging from the nearly infinite array of options on the Monterey Peninsula (see lodging link below). There are great many dining establishments within walking distance of the conference venue (on Old Fisherman’s Wharf, and in downtown Monterey). A large city parking lot is adjacent to the venue.
HERITAGE EXPO: RESEARCH AND RESOURCES
Santa Clara County Historical and Genealogical Society
Saturday, June 13, 2026 Time TBD
Santa Clara Central Park Library
2635 Homestead Road, Santa Clara, CA 95051
Admission is FREE and open to the public!
Mark your calendars for a day of discovery and connection as we showcase the rich tapestry of genealogical resources and historical locations within the Santa Clara Valley. This is a prime opportunity to connect with an engaged audience, from families just beginning their journey into genealogical research to experienced genealogists and local history enthusiasts.
The Expo will feature exhibitors highlighting:
- Genealogical Resources and Tools
- Historical Locations and Events in the Santa Clara Valley
- Hands-on guidance for starting family research
This is an excellent chance for your organization to share your unique resources and passion with the community.
EXHIBIT: “HOME ENTERTAINMENT OF THE LAST CENTURY”
Sunnyvale Historical Society & Museum
What did people do for entertainment before gadgets and electronics? Well, they played games, listened to the radio, invited friends, went to the movies and concerts, or played music themselves. Many artifacts will come out of storage to show activities people found amusing in the early 20th century. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the opening of this exhibit will be slightly delayed to mid-February. Look for updates on Facebook and the Sunnyvale Historical Society website.
EXHIBIT: “MAKING CONNECTIONS: STORIES FROM THE LAND”
Los Altos History Museum
Permanent Exhibit
Main Gallery, Los Altos History Museum
51 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA
Making Connections: Stories from the Land delivers an immersive, interactive multimedia experience of local history. Take a tour through the hills, creeks, valley and town as you learn about the events that transformed the landscape and the people who shaped this area.
EXHIBIT: “MEET THE SMITHS”
Los Altos History Museum
Permanent Exhibit
Smith House, Los Altos History Museum
51 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos, CA
Through a collection of photos and narrative, this exhibit brings to life the fascinating story of J. Gilbert Smith, his wife, Margaret, and his mother, Mary, who once called this house their home.