A Collaborative Journey Between History San José and Lobo School of Innovation
Project Kickoff & Vision
In Spring 2022, Lobo School of Innovation and History San José launched an ambitious partnership for students to critically examine their local histories and advocate for stories that celebrate the diverse cultural, agricultural, and technological achievements and history of San José, California.
Community Storytelling
Students become historians and artists, capturing the voices and experiences that shaped San Jose
Youth Perspective
Empowering the next generation to interpret and honor local heritage through creative expression
Immersive Historical Exploration
To deepen their understanding and provide unique learning experiences, History San José organized two distinct field trips for students, blending hands-on discovery with critical analysis of primary sources.
On-Site Park Immersion
Students embarked on an in-person visit to History San José Park. Educators offered a behind-the-scenes look at the historical buildings and artifacts, fostering a tangible connection to the past.
Virtual Primary Source Analysis
A virtual field trip connected students with educators via Zoom. They honed historical thinking skills by analyzing primary source documents related to San José's rich and diverse history.
Student Projects: Exploring Identity & Heritage
Student teams embarked on deep research journeys, creating and sharing powerful final deliverables inspired by San Jose's diverse communities. Over the years, students have crafted pieces that honored local stories not found at History Park.
Mixed Media
2022 and 2023: Students created interactive historical installations and argumentative audio video presentations
Digital Storytelling
2024: Students created a podcast series called "Finding San Jose."
2025: Historical Murals
2025: Students created historical murals that honored local businesses.
Public Exhibitions: Sharing Stories with the City
Annual Public Exhibition: Students, Special Guests, Local Politicians, Every year, History Park becomes a vibrant showcase for student creativity and historical discovery. The exhibition transformed the museum into an intergenerational dialogue space where youth perspectives illuminated San Jose's past, present, and future.
Multimedia Presentations
Interactive displays invited visitors to engage with San Jose's history through digital storytelling, video interviews, and augmented reality experiences that brought historical moments to life.
Living History
Community events created space for shared reflection, with visitors contributing their own San Jose stories.
Art Installations Unveiled: Honoring Local Legends
The culmination of months of research, creativity, and collaboration resulted in four permanent art installations. Each piece, inspired by student work and developed in partnership with a local artist, conveys a distinct narrative while collectively honoring the rich cultural fabric of San Jose.
Lee's Sandwiches - 2023
A vibrant food truck celebrates Vietnamese-American entrepreneurship and community impact. Bold colors and symbolic imagery honor the journey from refugee family to beloved local institution, depicting banh mi ingredients transforming into bridges between cultures.
Artist: Ramon Franco Arambula
Janet Gray Hayes - 2023
A sculptural installation reflects her trailblazing leadership and advocacy. The piece features ascending forms symbolizing glass ceilings shattered, with engraved quotes from her speeches inspiring future leaders.
Artist: Ramon Franco Arambula
Ken Yeager - 2025
Bursting with color, this installation celebrates Ken Yeager’s trailblazing leadership and LGBTQ+ advocacy. A QR code invites viewers to explore a student-produced video honoring his lasting impact.
Artist: Nicolas Jimenez
San Jose Sikh Gurdwara - 2025
This industrial design mosaic celebrates unity, faith, and cultural heritage. A QR code invites viewers to watch a student-produced video that shares the powerful story and lasting contributions of the San Jose Sikh Gurdwara.
Artist: Nicolas Jimenez
Student Voices: Reflections & Impact
The project's true measure lies in the transformation experienced by participating students. Their reflections reveal how artistic exploration deepened their connection to San Jose, awakened civic pride, and sparked personal growth.
"I never knew my city had such amazing stories. Now I see history everywhere I go, and I feel like I'm part of something bigger."
— Emma, Class of 2025
"Interviewing the Gurdwara community changed my perspective. I learned that serving others isn't just an idea—it's a daily practice that builds stronger neighborhoods."
— Ayaan, Class of 2024
"Creating art about Janet Gray Hayes made me realize that young women can lead and make real change. She did it decades ago, and we can do it now."
— Elaine, class of 2023
Students consistently emphasized how arts became a powerful tool for civic engagement and community building. Through this project, they discovered their voices matter and their creativity can shape public discourse.
