Local History

San Jose Rocks! The History of Rock Music in Santa Clara Valley, with Dan Orloff

 
8/28/26
 
$25
 
Ainsley House

Think the history of rock and roll happened somewhere else? Think again. The Santa Clara Valley has been home to some of the nation's most influential musicians and bands, including the Grateful Dead, the Doobie Brothers, and many others who got their start right here in the South Bay.

History Happy Hour: "A Whale of a Tale" with Nick Garcia

 
4/24/26
 
$25
 
Ainsley House

Museum Researcher, Nick Garcia, will discuss how the golden era of New England whaling became intertwined with California—and even Campbell itself—revealing surprising maritime connections that helped shape our local history.

History Happy Hour: "Mary Brown in California" with Tonya McQuade

 
3/13/26
 
$25
 
Ainsley House

Educator, author, and researcher Tonya McQuade shares the remarkable story of Mary Brown, who forged an unexpected new life after the execution of her abolitionist husband, John Brown. Mary’s journey led her all the way to California, where she...

The History of Winemaking in the Santa Clara Valley(History Happy Hour)

 
9/12/25
 
$25
 
Ainsley House

Discover the rich legacy of wine making in the Santa Clara Valley—California’s oldest wine region—at our History Happy Hour with Bonnie Bamburg of Friends of the Winemakers (FOWCA). Learn how local vineyards shaped the state's wine history.

History Happy Hour: Stick 'Em Up, the 1926 Campbell Bank Robbery

 
10/25/24
 
$25
 
Campbell Museums

Step back in time to 1926 Campbell and relive the gripping tale of the daring bank robbery that shocked the community. Join us for an evening filled with intrigue and suspense as David Blinn, Campbell Museum Researcher, unravels the true story behind this audacious heist.

Museum Mixer and Happy Hour

 
3/14/24
 
Free
 
Campbell Museums

Come Learn about the Campbell Museum Foundation and join us in shaping history in Campbell at this free informational mixer event.

History Happy Hour: the History of Moffett Field

 
9/15/23
 
$15
 
Ainsley House

Established in 1933, the original mission of Moffett Field was to serve as a station for the lighter-than-air-dirigible, the U.S.S. Macon. But, there is much more to the story. Come learn from a member of the Moffett Field Historical Society.

Come learn about the place, the people, and the operations from a member of the Moffett Field Historical Society.

History Happy Hour: Cold War Spies in Campbell

 
6/17/23
 
$15
 
Ainsley House

Join us for a fascinating evening as we learn about a Cold War Spy from Campbell. David Blinn will weave the intriguing espionage story of two Cold War spies: James Mintkenbaugh and Robert Johnson.

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