“Locating Mosaic Festival at History Park creates a Belonging continuum between our histories, lived experiences, and the hope of a shared future. America is big enough to include all our intersectional cultures- that is the vision we must all make and hold space for. Mosaic Festival is a safe place for all of us to come as we are and truly see each other.” – Mosaic Co Founder Priya Das
With Mosaic’s fourth annual Festival scheduled for Sunday, October 6th–save the date!–we are elated to announce that this year, our festival will be held at iconic History Park in San Jose. Gather with us and experience dozens of cultures from our very own neighborhoods, those that weave the mosaic of America among the charming ambiance at History Park, where bygone days are palpable through the rich historical preservation infused in the 14-acre site. Mosaic Festival is not just an event, but also a destination at History Park–and today we welcome you to acquaint yourself with its important historical background and its honoring of the various cultures and peoples that make up our local communities.
Mosaic’s annual festival is happening Sunday, October 6th and History Park–save the date!
The intersection of History Park’s preservation of immigrant history with Mosaic’s plan for an interwoven, communal future is a special point of contention for the event and beyond. History Park is an integral historical site to the city of San Jose–before it was a busy metropolis, it was merely a small town in an agriculturally centered Santa Clara Valley. That era is meticulously preserved at History Park, showcasing more than thirty restored buildings among a beautifully landscaped outdoors area that perfectly encapsulates a bygone era of San Jose. Visitors can experience an array of cultural backgrounds by entering History Park’s various historical buildings, all of which encapsulate the history of our vibrant city and the cultural diversity of the people who created it.
Mosaic’s coordinator and Special Events Manager Elizabeth Thompson has meaningful connections to the power of place when it comes to History Park. She says, “History Park is unique because it serves as a living museum, preserving and showcasing San Jose’s rich cultural and historical heritage through educational programs, community events, and over 30 historic structures with artifacts preserved by the Collections Center across the street. History Park offers visitors an immersive experience, connecting them to the past in a tangible way.”
Map of History Park
One of the historical landmarks nestled in the park is the Electric Light Tower, which once stood in what was considered downtown San Jose. The replica of the original was built in the 1970’s and inspired San Jose Mercury Editor J.J. Owens to declare its size and lighting capacity could make the night as bright as day for San Jose. It turns out that the tower was more aesthetically spectacular than largely functional, as it ultimately failed to alight the streets the way Owens anticipated. However, the tower represented progress to the community as it was one of the first usages of electricity in the late nineteenth century–and the public enjoyed its grandiosity and beauty, using it as a meeting site for celebrations, momentous occasions and holidays.
Mosaic America presented Mike Fair, Zaza Korinteli, and Khalilah Ramirez, performing under the Electric Light Tower earlier this year
The symbolism of the Electric Tower is synonymous with Mosaic’s mission to bring solution-oriented progress to our often fragmented local communities. Elizabeth Thompson believes the marriage of Mosaic and History Park to be heavenly, saying the park serves as “an ideal venue for Mosaic’s annual festival because it embodies the celebration of cultural diversity and community engagement, perfectly aligning with the festival’s mission. The Mosaic Festival programming can build off of the already existing cultural-centers onsite at the History Park, offering a celebration of various cultures through history, art, and performance.”