New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, San Jose

About New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum

The Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, housed in the Casa Grande, the former residence of mine managers, displays the history of the New Almaden Mines in south San Jose. Visitors explore exhibits about mercury mining operations that ran from 1846 to 1976, when the mines produced more metallic wealth than any other California mine. The museum sits within Almaden Quicksilver County Park, a 4,163-acre preserve where historic mining structures remain visible throughout the landscape. The park supports hiking, running, mountain biking, and horseback riding on maintained trails. Visitors observe wildlife and wildflowers in the nature preserve setting. The New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association maintains the museum collection, preserves historic structures, and operates interpretive signs and guided history and nature hikes throughout the park. The museum accepts volunteer docents, online archivists, and artifact donations to support its educational mission.