New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum

The New Almaden Mercury Mining Museum offers a look into the mining history of San Jose, California by enabling people to enter a real mine and by using outreach and education programs to share the town's rich mining history. The mine is located on Almaden Road, inside of the Casa Grande building and is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The mine has undergone historic renovation, so call ahead to determine the hours and access currently permitted. The mine offers access to people of all abilities, so if you are concerned about challenges with movement when exploring, this is a great mine to visit. Mining began in 1845 when Mexican Cavalry Officer Captain Andres Castillero discovered the cinnabar in the painting rocks from the mine. American companies took over the mine and Captain Henry Halleck, manager of the mine, had the Casa Grande house built on the property. Visitors can tour both the mine and the museum. Ownership of the mine has been passed around over the years until the County Parks Department finally took control and added the mine to the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, a National Historic Site. The museum opened in 1998 and offered a variety of exhibits about the history of the mine. Museum visitors can enjoy scavenger hunts concerning the exhibits or walk the self-guided tour through the town. Guided tours are also available for the museum.