Discovering the Germans who Built San Jose

Starting in the 1800's, German-speaking explorers and immigrants made their way to California. Settling in Santa Clara Valley, they made enormous contributions to the development of the area, founding the San Jose library, helping create the fire department, designing a modern sewer system, and building over 500 of San Jose's major business and civic structures. The City Hall, the Hall of Records, Lick Observatory and the old Agnew's Hospital were all created by German pioneers. But how did their stories get uncovered and shared?

Where do you find inspiration? Can a local immigrant woman with a grade school education write a history that changes our understanding of San Jose? Join us fat Antiques , Art and Culture as Historian April Halberstadt discusses the life work of Maria Brand...and her book about the Germans who built San Jose, Germania San Jose: The Early German Heritage of Silicon Valley.

For years, local historian Maria Brand searched through local libraries and archives to compile the stories of local German-speaking immigrants. With the help of many local curators and the support of the Sourisseau Academy at the History Department of San Jose State, Maria published the book that changes how we view the hisotry San Jose.

Join SJWC members and friends at our monthly Antqiues , Art, and Culture Group meeting and learn the fascinsating story of Maria Brand and Germans in San Jose. Bring a brown bag lunch if you wish. Light refreshements provided.

About our Speaker

April Halberstadt is a prominent historian, author, and historic consultant, specializing in the history of the Santa Clara Valley. She serves as board member of Sourisseau Academy at San Jose State University, the San Jose Fire Museum, and the San Jose Woman's Club, where she is the Club Historian. She previously served as a commissioner and two-term chair of the Santa Clara County Historical Heritage Commission.

Ms. Halberstadt edited Maria Brand's book and has authored more than14 books focusing on the agricultural and urban history of California.

She holds a Master of Arts in History from San José State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Urban Geography and History from California State University, Hayward,.

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