Contents:

About NAQCPA

Newsletters

Donate to NAQCPA

Almaden Quicksilver Park Info

Mining Museum

Museum Archives

Outdoor Museum

Pioneer Days

New Almaden Days

News, Media, Articles, and Links

Pictures, Special Reports

Almaden Quicksilver Park Events

Events in Other Parks

_____________

Links:

New Almaden and Almaden Quicksilver:

New Almaden Self-Guided Walking Tour

Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum

Mining Museum Archives

Directions to Almaden Quicksilver

Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Trail Map

Open Road TV show on Almaden Quicksilver


Santa Clara County Parks:

Santa Clara County Parks Homepage

Calendar of County Parks Activities

Play Here! Activities Guide

Park Here! Guide to the County Parks

County Parks Volunteer Information

Volunteer Calendar

County Parks Healthy Trails Program

Parks for Life Challenge

Santa Clara County Parks on Facebook

Ron Horii's Pictures of the Santa Clara County Parks

Ron Horii's Pictures of County Park Volunteer Activities


Parks and Community:

Ron Horii's SF Bay Rec & Travel

Friends of Santa Teresa Park

Friends of Los Alamitos Watershed

New Almaden Community Club (webpage under construction)


 Webmaster Contact
 

New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association

Welcome to the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association (NAQCPA) website. Our purpose is to promote the educational and interpretive activities of the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department, particularly in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. See below for information about NAQCPA, our past and present activities, and how you can join or help with the park. Also below is information about Almaden Quicksilver County Park, maps, trail descriptions, and park events. See the links on the side for related websites. Visit our Facebook page. We have a new email address: naqcpa.newalmaden@gmail.com


  News:

Note: See here for archived news from 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. The following is news from 2019-2022 (click here for the latest news):

Ron Horii's Photo Exhibition at the Campbell Library
Ron Horii had an exhibit at the Campbell Library in downtown Campbell from 2/1 to 2/28/19. It was based on his 2011 exhibition at the Santa Teresa Library. He had posters with pictures of Santa Teresa County Park, Almaden Quicksilver County Park, other County Parks, open space preserves, San Francisco Bay parks, and San Jose parks. Here is an album showing the exhibition.

New Almaden Quicksilver Map
A new map is available for Almaden Quicsilver County Park. Maps are being updated for all the County Parks. They show numbers at every trail junction. Trail signs will have those numbers on them eventually. The idea is that problems can be reported by listing the nearest trail junction numbers.
BioBlitz 4/13/19
On 4/13/19, there was a BioBlitz held at the Mockingbird Hill Lane entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County Park, sponsored by Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful and organized by biologist Merav Vonshak. "A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time. At a BioBlitz, scientists, families, students, teachers, and other community members work together to get an overall count of the plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms that live in a place." A large group of participants divided up into smaller groups and documented plant and animal life around the staging area and the nearby trails. These are the results of the BioBlitz. Here are pictures of the BioBlitz (need to sign onto Facebook to view them).
Incline tramway sign, 3/13/19
New incline tramway sign, 4/12/19
Nearly all the interpretive signs in the park have been replaced with new signs, made of a more durable material. The signs were getting faded or discolored after years of exposure to the elements. The worst was the incline tramway sign, which suffered damage from the heavy rains of 2017. Above shows the sign from before (from 3/13/19) and after (4/12/19) replacement.
Alamitos Fire, 7/9/19
On 7/7/19, there was a small grass fire on the north side of Alamitos Road below the Alamitos Vineyard. San Jose Fire Department and CalFire crews, including a Calfire helicopter, were able to stop the fire before it could spread to the vineyard or surrounding hills in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. The Alamitos Vineyards has their own fire truck, which has appeared in the New Almaden Parade. It also fought the fire.

Casa Grande fumigation, 7/9/19
From 7/8-7/12/19, the Casa Grande was closed for fumigation to kill pests.

Play Like a Miner 8/3/19
The annual Play Like a Miner event was held at the Casa Grande on 8/3/19. About 450 people attended. Here are pictures:  Play Like a Miner Part 1, Outside Activities 8/3/19, Play Like a Miner Part 2, Casa Grande & Blacksmith Shop 8/3/19
Alviso Boat Tour
On 8/16/19, several NAQCPA members went on a boat tour of the Alviso Slough. It was narrated by Park Interpreter Luke Bailey. Here are more pictures of the boat tour. The boat went down the Alviso Slough all the way to its confluence with Coyote Creek. We saw lots of birds along the way, including an osprey. Luke talked about the history of the Bay, plants and animals in the wetlands, and the future challenge of sea level rise.
New Almaden Day Parade, 9/14/19
The New Almaden Day Parade was held on 9/14/19. Afterwards, the carnival was held at the Community Center.

Volunteers Ice Cream Social, Vasona, 9/28/19
On 9/28/19, there was an ice cream social event for County Parks volunteers at Vasona Lake.

History Hike at Rotary Furnace, 9/29/19
On 9/29/19, there was a Quicksilver History Hike, led by Park Interpreters Chris Carson and Steve Leong, accompanied by Park Docent Ron Horii. The hike went along the Wood Road Trail to Mine Hill and the Rotary Furnace. There will be more hikes like this on 10/26/19, 11/24/19, 12/28/19, 1/26/20, 2/29/20, 3/29/20, 4/25/20.

Ranger Promotion/Badging Ceremony, Casa Grande 9/30/19
On 9/30/19, a County Parks ranger promotion and badging ceremony was held at the Casa Grande. Flint Glines was promoted to Chief Park Ranger. Julie Cooper and Frank Weiland were promoted to Park Ranger Supervisors. Ruben Suarez, Melissa Rodriguez, Christopher Shear, Jackson Bramham, Bryce Winter, and Carley Bolitho received their badges as Park Rangers. Above, left to right are Supervising Ranger Aniko Millan, Ruben Suarez, Melissa Rodriguez, Christopher Shear, Frank Weiland, Flint Glines, Julie Cooper, Jackson Bramham, Bryce Winter, and Carley Bolitho.
Pioneer Day 2019
On 10/12/19, NAQCPA, the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association, celebrated their 37th anniversary at their annual Pioneer Day event. This year, it was held at the Casa Grande. It featured the wagon restoration and Estaban Tunnel at the Blacksmith Shop.

Bob Meyer at Pioneer Day, 10/8/16
On November 3, 2019, long-time NAQCPA member Bob Meyer passed away from natural causes. He joined NAQCPA a year after it was formed and served as its treasurer for many years. He helped at Pioneer Days, collecting donations. Here is his obituary: "Robert Warren Meyer, May 2, 1932 – November 3, 2019, Resident of Los Gatos. Robert passed away peacefully at his home in Los Gatos. Robert is survived by his loving wife Patricia, his children Robert, Kathleen, David, Gary, and his 6 grandchildren Samantha, Elizabeth, Brian, Spencer, Jennifer, Olivia and great grandchild Jacob. Robert was born in St. Louis, Missouri and grew up in Webster Groves, Missouri. He met Patricia while they both attended the University of New Mexico. Robert and Patricia were married in 1953 and called Los Gatos their home for 53 years. Robert served as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy. He loved the outdoors and filled his days with activities including skiing, running, biking, swimming and working in his yard. He will be missed. A celebration of life will be held at the First Congregational Church on November 23rd at 2pm, reception will follow the service."
Kitty Monahan's talk, 11/7/19, Santa Teresa Golf Club
On November 7, 2019, at 7 pm in the Santa Teresa Golf Club Upper Banquet Room, New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association President and Friends of Santa Teresa Park (FOSTP) Vice-President Kitty Monahan gave a talk on "New Almaden and Its Quicksilver Mines." This was the description of the talk: "FOSTP is honored to present Kitty Monahan, President of the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association. She is known for giving entertaining presentations about New Almaden Quicksilver County Park's natural, cultural, and mining history. Don't miss this colorful slideshow event with her expert experience and humorous storytelling. The New Almaden mine was once the wealthiest mine in North America and one of the reasons for the success of the 1849 California Gold Rush. Learn about what mining life was like for the 1848-1972 miners and settlers, who worked, lived, and died at this fabulous historical wild west mining town!" Here's the flyer for this event.
BioBlitz, 11/16/19
On 11/16/19, there was another BioBlitz held at the Mockingbird Hill Lane entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County Park, sponsored by Keep Coyote Creek Beautiful and organized by biologist Merav Vonshak. It was a follow-up to the spring BioBlitz held here on 4/13/19 (see above). See here for pictures of the BioBlitz and links to the results.
Interpretive staff at Living History Day, 12/15/19
On Sunday, December 15, 2019, this event was held at the Casa Grande: "Learn about the Victorian era at Casa Grande while participating in activities from the 1880s with costumed staff and docents. There will be demonstrations, crafts, and guided tours of the museum. Fun for the whole family." Here are pictures of the event (Facebook sign-in required). Above are park interpretive staff members Whitney, Victoria, and Lynda in period dress.

Below are pictures of the historic wagon restoration project from 2014 to 2019:

Wagon front 6/29/14
Front of wagon, 6/29/14

Wagon rear 6/29/14
Rear of wagon, 6/29/14

Wagon 2/14/15
Wagon 2/14/15

Wagon 10/26/19
Wagon 10/26/19

Historic wagon restoration, 12/15/19
Wagon Restoration 12/15/19
NAQPA members have been restoring an historic wagon at the Blacksmith Shop. It was once parked in the yard behind the Casa Grande and used as a stage. The elements have taken their toll on the wooden parts. They have been replaced with new wood. The latest addition is the bench on top. The most challenging part will be restoring the wooden wheels.
Calligraphy demonstration at Chinese New Year Living History Day
On 2/8/20, Chinese New Year Living History Day was held at the Casa Grande. There were decorations, demonstrations, displays, and crafts that were related to Chinese culture and Lunar New Year traditions. Above is a demonstration of Chinese calligraphy. The New Almaden Mines have Chinese connections. Chinese immigrants worked in the mines and in the towns. In the 1850's, valuable cinnabar and mercury from New Almaden was sent to China. In gratitude, the emperor of China sent a pavilion with carved walls and columns. It stood on the grounds of the Casa Grande until it was washed away in a flood. Parts of the pavilion, or Ting in Chinese, survived. A group called the Friends of the New Almaden Ting are working on restoring it. They had an informational display, including a model of the Ting.
Friends of the New Almaden Ting at Oakridge Mall
On 2/22/20, there was a Senior Resource Fair at Oakridge Mall. There were exhibitors providing information about resources and volunteer opportunities for seniors and the community. Johnny Khamis' office invited the Friends of Santa Teresa Park (FOSTP) and the Friends of the New Almaden Ting (FONAT) to participate. Both groups shared tables, staffed by Mike Boulland, Steve Crockett, and Jennie Yeung. For FONAT, they had the wooden model of the Ting, a 3D photograph of one of the actual columns, historic photographs, and informational pamphlets.

COVID-19 Protocol Signs
The COVID-19 pandemic has had major effects on the County Parks, the New Almaden Community, and NAQCPA. COVID-19 restrictions, which started in March, 2020 and are in force until lifted, have resulted in the following:
  • While most of the County Parks, including Almaden Quicksilver, have remained open for trail use, some facilities have been closed and some activities have been prohibited. The situation is subject to change. Check the County Parks' website for the latest updates.
  • Live meetings of the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association cannot be held. We have not been able to hold Zoom meetings.
  • The Casa Grande, the home of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, is closed, including the office and archive area. That means all volunteer and interpretive activities, such as tours, archiving, and events, cannot be held. There will be no Living History Day and Play Like a Miner events.
  • The NAQCPA newsletter cannot be published because it requires the facilities of the Casa Grande.
  • Group events, both public and private, in New Almaden and in Almaden Quicksilver County Park cannot be held. That means there will be no New Almaden Parade/Carnival and no Pioneer Day. 
  • There will be no group hikes led by volunteers, interpreters, or rangers.
Guadalupe Trail crowds
Since County Park trails have remained open, usage has skyrocketed, resulting in parking lots filling up and trails becoming crowded. There are maps of some parks showing recommended road-width trails. The maps have been highlighted to show trails that are wide enough to maintain at social 6-feet social distancing when passing. There isn't a modified map for Almaden Quicksilver yet. In general, most of the trails in park are wide, except for the hiking-only trails, like the New Almaden, Cinnabar, Buena Vista, and Prospect 3.

There have been personnel changes in the County Parks' Department since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic:
  • Park Interpreter Chris Carson retired. Bridgett Orcutt-Diaz retired earlier.
  • Park Interpreter Dan LaFlash left the department. Kelsi Ju also left before the shutdown. 
  • Park Interpreter Jan Shriner has been temporarily re-assigned to work on COVID-19 contact tracing, as has Patricia Vasquez, who worked in the Volunteer Program office.
  • Volunteer Program Manager Julie Lee has been temporarily re-assigned to work in the County's housing program. 
  • Debra King is temporarily working in the Volunteer Program Office.
  • Julie Kahrnoff in the Volunteer Program Office got married. She's now Julie Abbatelli. In May, she left the department to take a job in Valley Water.
  • 2 new interpreters joined the department: Travis Trinh and Rob McDonnell, joining fellow interpreters Luke Bailey and Victoria Heyse. They are doing virtual programs now (see below).
  • Rachel Caoili was hired as extra help in the interpretive department in the Calero/Almaden Quicksilver unit.
  • Senior Ranger Holly Maximovich moved from the Calero/Almaden Quicksilver unit to Ed Levin. Ranger Sadie Webster is now the acting senior ranger at Calero/Almaden Quicksilver.
Backyard Naturalist Video
While organized group events in the County Parks and open space preserves have been suspended due to COVID-19, videos and Zoom conferences are available from various organizations. Here are some examples (note: Facebook sign-in may be required):

Mary Lee Baiocchi
We are very sad to announce that Mary Lee Baiocchi, long-time NAQCPA member and docent at the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, passed away. Here is her Obituary in the Mercury News:
Mary Lee Baiocchi
January 6, 1934 - November 21, 2020
Resident of San Jose
    Mary Lee Baiocchi,"Cookie" to her family and friends, passed away peacefully Saturday, November 21, 2020. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and godmother. She is survived by her two sons Greg (Josie) and Ken (Stephanie), sister Barbara and niece Stacia. She is together now in heaven with her devoted husband Jerry Baiocchi, daughter-in-law Sharon Baiocchi, and sisters Georgia Lumley and Bea Lumley.
    Mary Lee was the daughter of George and Irene Smoot. She was a San Jose native and proud graduate of Notre Dame High School Class of '51 and San Jose City College. She worked as an instructor for Pacific Bell, becoming one of the first female supervisors and trainers in the San Jose area. After taking time off to raise her boys, she returned to the phone company, working in various roles until retirement in 1988.
    Mary Lee had a vibrant "second act" after retirement. As the granddaughter and daughter of New Almaden Quicksilver mine workers, she had a strong connection to the rich history of the area. She served as a history docent for over 30 years at the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum and served on the board of the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association, activities that she shared with her lifelong friend Kitty Monahan. She was recognized as the Santa Clara County Parks Volunteer of the Year in 2006.
Mary Lee was involved with many other groups and activities, including the San Jose Women's Club, Almaden Valley Rotary Club, Transfiguration Catholic Church, Santa Theresa Women's Golf Club, and numerous book clubs. Mary Lee also acted and sang with the Almaden Senior Players acting troupe.
    Mary Lee had an inquisitive mind, a faith-filled heart and a thirst for knowledge. Her library is full of books that range in topics near and far. She loved all animals and enjoyed art classes and piano lessons. She loved to travel, explore cultures and meet people. Her favorite spot was Hawaii by far.
    Due to pandemic restrictions, Mary Lee was laid to rest in a private family service. A memorial mass will follow when it's safe to gather.
    We loved Cookie and if you knew her, you loved her as well. In honor of Mary Lee, you may light a candle or make a donation in her memory at San Jose's Notre Dame High School or Transfiguration Catholic Church.
John Slenter, 10/10/09 at Pioneer Day
In January of 2021, John Slenter passed away at his home in Arizona. John was a longtime resident of New Almaden. He was an active volunteer for NAQCPA and helped with the Pioneer Day events. He later became an interpreter for the County Parks, working at Almaden Quicksilver. For many years, he gave van tours of the park. At the 2009 Pioneer Day, he drove guests to the event in a park van and served as the master of ceremonies (see picture above). After he retired from the County Parks, he moved to Arizona to be with his family.

John Atwood, 10/10/09 at Pioneer Day
On May 4, 2021, longtime NAQCPA member and County Parks docent John Atwood passed away at his home in San Jose. Here is his obituary. He knew the Almaden Quicksilver Mines better than most people because he worked as a surveyor in the mines for 2 years, before spending 33 years as a surveyor for Santa Clara County. As a volunteer for NAQCPA, he worked in the Casa Grande as a docent, giving tours to visitors. During events at the Casa Grande, like Play Like a Miner, he would bring out his surveying equipment and show kids how to use them, as well as how to read maps.

Update 2021: The past 2 years have been difficult for NAQCPA. The last board meeting was held on 2/12/20. The board has been unable to meet due to COVID-related closures and the death and disability of many of the board's members. We could not even meet on Zoom. The Casa Grande was closed for over a year, starting in March of 2020, so volunteers could not go in to work on the archives or the NAQCPA newsletter. Docent activities were suspended, and most of the County Parks' interpretive staff were re-deployed as Disaster Service Workers (DSW) to help with the pandemic. In 2021, the Casa Grande re-opened, and some activities and events are starting to come back. However, many staff members, including several park interpreters, are still on DSW assignment. It was unclear when and if the NAQCPA board would meet again. Key volunteers working on the newsletter have health issues and are no longer able to work on it, even if facilities were available. It's not clear whether the newsletter will be published again. Pioneer Day was cancelled in 2020 and 2021. It may be held again in 2022. NAQCPA is still partially active. A small group of members still does maintenance projects in the park.
Christmas at the Casa Grande
The Casa Grande was decorated and open for the 2021 holiday season. On 12/18/22, there was a Victorian Holiday Craft event there. Visitors could make cornucopias, which were traditional Christmas tree ornaments during the Victorian era. The Blacksmith shop was also open for touring.
History Hike 2/26/22
History hikes have resumed in Almaden Quicksilver, led by park interpreters. On 2/26/22, Park Interpreter Luke Bailey, with help from NAQCPA member Mike Cox, led a history hike on the Wood Road Trail to the Rotary Furnace and English Camp. There was a huge turnout. Over 70 people came to it. Here are pictures of the hike. See the events schedule below for future hikes.

Update 4/15/22: Starting in January 2022, Melissa Hippard, the County Parks Strategic Partnership and Revenue Development Manager, wanted to have a discussion about NAQCPA's partnership with the department. This started a series of Zoom meetings, initiated by Tere Johnson, to discuss NAQCPA's fate and future plans. The first meeting was on 1/24/22. We decided to keep NAQCPA going, maintain and possibly enhance our partnership with the County Parks, elect new board members, recruit new members, start a Facebook page, keep the small maintenance group active, publish an e-newsletter and email it to members, participate in park activities at the Casa Grande, and hold a Pioneer Day. Tere Johnson was elected President. Art Bouldreault volunteered to serve as temporary treasurer. Mike Cox agreed to serve as temporary secretary. In  later meetings, Mike Cox was elected vice president and Lisa Laymon was elected secretary. Sue McLain is being trained by Art to eventually become treasurer. Ron Horii continued as webmaster.

NAQCPA's Facebook Page
NAQCPA now has a Facebook page. If you're a Facebook member, check it out and join it. You can see the latest news, as well as historic pictures and stories. You can comment on them, ask questions, or post your own.

Kitty Monahan Speaking at the Volunteer Recognition Picnic, 4/23/22
At the County Parks' 27th Annual Volunteer Recognition event on 4/23/22, Kitty Monahan talked about the history of the volunteer program. Several Almaden Quicksilver volunteers and NAQCPA members were recognized at the event.

Pix In Parks Destination: English Camp
The County Parks' PixInParks Challenge runs from May 1 until December 15, 2022. Participants hike 7 trail routes in different parks, take a picture at the prescribed destination points, and post the pictures on social media, with the hashtag #PixInParks. After completing the challenge, they can get a t-shirt or bandana. The route at Almaden Quicksilver follows the Deep Gulch Trail to English Camp and returns on the Mine Hill Trail, with a picture spot at English Camp (above). Other hikes are at Santa Teresa, Ed Levin, Mt. Madonna, Coyote Lake/Harvey Bear, Upper Stevens Creek, and Sanborn.

SCCPA Awards Night
Sat. May 21, 7-9 pm. Preservation Awards Night. History San Jose Park. $15 General Admission, Under 18 Free. In recognition of this year’s National Preservation Month, the newly formed Santa Clara County Preservation Alliance will host a Preservation Awards Night to bring the public and local preservation groups together for a celebratory event. NAQCPA President Kitty Monahan and NAQCPA member Bruce Bartlett will be honored at this event. See here for more information and to purchase tickets.
The intent of the SCCPA Awards Night is:
  • To recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations in the community who have made outstanding contributions to historic preservation.
  • To showcase exemplary preservation throughout the community that may serve as inspiration for future preservation.
  • To encourage preservation of historic homes or buildings that may prevent future demolition of historic properties.
  • To educate the community on the merits of historic architecture and preservation.
  • To share ideas and projects various preservation groups throughout the county.
Here are pictures from the 1st Annual Preservation Alliance Awards Night, 5/21/22.
FOSTP-NAQCPA Table at Preservation Alliance Awards
This is NAQCPA's and FOSTP's table at the Preservation Alliance Awards Night at History San Jose. Veronica Jordan staffed the table, talked to visitors, and passed out information. The table, which had pictures and brochures, was shared with Mike Boulland and the Friends of Santa Teresa Park. Mike had pictures of Kitty Monahan, who besides serving as President of NAQCPA, was also Vice President of the Friends of Santa Teresa Park.

Bruce Bartlett with Preservation Alliance Award
At the Preservation Alliance Awards Night, Bruce Bartlett received the Distinguished Preservation Service Award for his work on projects at Almaden Quicksilver. 

Awards for Kitty Monahan at Preservation Alliance Awards
At the Preservation Alliance Awards Night, former NAQCPA President Kitty Monahan was awarded the Preservation Lifetime Achievement Award. Tere Johnson (left), read the award, while Mike Cox (right) accepted the award for Kitty. She could not attend due to her health conditions. Kathy Sutherland (center), assistant to County Supervisor Cindy Chavez, is holding a commendation from the Board of Supervisors to Kitty. Here's a link to the video of the award presentations to Kitty.

Presentation of awards to Kitty Monahan, 5/25/22
On June 1, NAQCPA members visited Kitty Monahan at her house and presented her with the awards. She was happy to see everyone and receive the awards.

Mine Tunnel at Play Like a Miner, 7/9/22
On July 9, 2022 from 11 am to 3 pm, after a 2-year absence, the Play Like a Miner event was held again at the Casa Grande: "Imagine a day in the life of a mercury miner and other 19th century residents of New Almaden at this fun family event, featuring games, crafts, rocks, and mining-era activities for all ages." There was a simulated mine tunnel (above). Here are pictures of the event. Here are pictures from the previous Play Like a Miner in 2019: Play Like a Miner Part 1, Outside Activities 8/3/19, Play Like a Miner Part 2, Casa Grande & Blacksmith Shop 8/3/19.
Pioneer Day 2016
NAQCPA has been holding its annual Pioneer Day celebration event since 1983. Its purpose has been to celebrate the New Almaden miners and their families or to dedicate signs or projects in the park. However, due to the pandemic, it was canceled in 2020 and 2021. We are planning to hold it this year on 10/8/22 starting at 11:00 am at the Casa Grande. Planning is in progress. Here is a poster for the event. Here are pictures of some of the past Pioneer Days, with a list of all them and excerpts of newsletter articles about them. Above is Pioneer Day 2016.

Park survey poster
The County Parks are conducting a user survey. These signs are posted all over the parks. If you take the survey, which is free, you are entered into a contest to win a prize. NAQCPA donated the prizes, which are 5 $100 gift cards. Here is the survey website.

Kitty Monahan 1932-1922
We are very sad to report that NAQCPA's co-founder and President for nearly 40 years, Kitty Monahan, passed away on July 25, 2022. She has been in declining health the past few months. Most recently, she fell and suffered a hip fracture. She received hospice care and passed away peacefully at home. A celebration of life/memorial for Kitty will be held at the Santa Clara County Horsemen's Association at 20350 McKean Road, San Jose, on September 4 at 1:00 pm, with a potluck lunch. Here's a biography of Kitty from 2018. Here's her obituary in the Mercury News. Here are pictures of Kitty over the years at different events for different organizations:

About NAQCPA

Pioneer Day 2013, Dedication of the Hacienda Outdoor Mining Exhibit

NAQCPA was originally founded in 1983 and incorporated in 1984, It is the oldest and largest Santa Clara County Park friends organization. If you are interested in finding out more about Almaden Quicksilver County Park or want to help with our projects, you are invited to join NAQCPA. You will receive our newsletters and invitations to our events, such as Pioneer Day. Dues are used to pay for the newsletter and our projects. Print out and mail this form for sending in membership dues and donations, which are tax-deductible. See below for more information about donations. We are looking at ways of donating online.

Current NAQCPA Officers:
  • President: Tere Johnson
  • Vice President: Mike Cox
  • Treasurer:  Art Boudreault
  • Secretary: Lisa Laymon
NAQCPA is a 501c3 nonprofit public benefit corporation: Articles of Incorporation


NAQCPA Newsletters

NAQCPA has published and mailed out paper newsletters to members, usually quarterly, starting in April 1983. The last issue was published in 2020. It was stopped because of pandemic restrictions and disabilities of the editors. It has been resumed in 2022 as an e-newsletter. It was emailed to members whose email addresses are on file or if they sent their email addresses to: 
naqcpa.newalmaden@gmail.com
Members who need a paper copy can request one by sending a letter with their return address to our address below.

New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association
PO Box 124
New Almaden, CA 95042-0124
Donate to NAQCPA

NAQCPA accepts donations of volunteer time, financial support, and artifacts. Since NAQCPA is a nonprofit 501c3 corporation recognized by the state of California and the IRS, donations may be tax-deductible. 

VOLUNTEER
  • To volunteer as a museum docent, online museum archivist, or support other efforts related to the New Almaden Mining Museum, see the Park Volunteer Program's webpage or call the museum at 408-918-7770.
  • To volunteer with our NAQCPA Volunteer Team for trail clean up, graffiti mitigation, special projects, or help with our annual Pioneer Day, call Tere Johnson at 408-406-3001 or email at terenaqcpa@gmail.com.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Financial support is important to serve our members with newsletter distribution, historical preservation efforts, as well as fund special projects throughout the year. Financial contributions by check can be mailed to:
NAQCPA
P.O. Box 124
New Almaden, CA 95042-0124
 
ARTIFACTS
  • Historic photos, books, articles or other artifacts related to New Almaden may be considered for NAQCPA’s or the New Almaden Mining Museum’s archive collection.
  • For artifact donation consideration, call Tere Johnson at 408-406-3001 or email at terenaqcpa@gmail.com.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park Information

Mine Hill Rotary Furnace and the Hanging Tree

Click here for visitor information about Almaden Quicksilver County Park These pages, created by Ron Horii, have park pictures, trail descriptions, information about the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, and related links.

If you live in or near the Santa Clara Valley or Silicon Valley in Northern California or are planning a trip to the area, you may enjoy a visit to the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Come and see our beautiful park and learn about its wildlife, and many historic photographs, writings, relics, and landmarks. You can reach the park office at (408) 268-3883.


Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum
Casa Grande, Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum

Note: the Casa Grande and the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum were temporarily closed during the COVID-19 shutdown. It reopened in August of 2021, but the hours have changed. It has been closed at times recently due to problems with the HVAC system. This is the current status: "Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum is open in a limited capacity. Please stop by to enjoy our mining exhibits; however, the gift shop and Victorian Rooms are closed."

The Casa Grande and the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum were closed for renovation starting in 2009. The Grand Re-Opening ceremony was held on Pioneer Day, November 13, 2010. It re-opened on January 14, 2011. The museum is open-year round except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. You can reach the museum at (408) 918-7770. It is located at 21350 Almaden Road in New Almaden. These are the current hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and are subject to change. Call the museum first to be sure it is open.

Mondays  ​12pm - 4pm 
​Tuesdays ​Closed
​Wednesdays ​Closed
​Thursdays ​Closed
​Fridays ​12pm - 4pm
​Saturdays ​10am - 4pm
​Sundays ​10am - 4pm

Many NAQCPA members have served as docents in the museum, giving guided tours. There are frequent events at the Casa Grande, such as Living History Days, Play Like a Miner, and historical talks. See the events calendar below. There are education programs for 4-6 graders. (Here is the Teaching and Activity Guide for Almaden Quicksilver.)
Period room in the Casa Grande
One of the period rooms in the Casa Grande

Mining exhibits in the Mining Museum
Mining exhibits in the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum

See Ron Horii's picture and description of the Casa Grande for the Visual San Jose 2015 Photo Contest.
Mining Museum Archives

The Archives of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum are online. NAQCPA members have been helping to scan in thousands of historical documents and pictures into the archive. The archives are available for searching and viewing. You can search for specific topics using keywords or just display random images to get a sample of the collection. You can order high-resolution images without watermarks. Here is an example of an historic photo from the archives:
Historical picture of the Hacienda Reduction Works from the archive
This yard, at the former site of the Hacienda Reduction Works, contains a collection of equipment from the New Almaden Mine and the Guadalupe mine. One item of particular interest is an old wooden Cornish pump from an English design which was used to pump water out of the mine shafts. Another unusual item, a cylindrical piece of machinery, was a small rotary furnace used for extracting Mercury from crushed cinnabar ore.
Hacienda Mining Display Outdoor Museum

Outdoor mining museum displays
Displays at the Hacienda Outdoor Museum

Mining equipment 3/9/08
For years, there was an unorganized collection of rusting mining equipment sitting behind a fence in the Hacienda area of Almaden Quicksilver near the Deep Gulch Trail entrance. Above is how it looked in 2008.

Bruce Bartlett at the outdoor museum dedication
NAQCPA members, led by Bruce Bartlett (above), organized, repaired, and re-arranged the equipment and added other mining equipment. They had interpretive signs made, paid for the fencing, and created life-size figures.

Pioneer Days
Kitty Monahan welcoming guests to Pioneer Day 2014
Pioneer Day 2014, Rossi Retort Dedication
Since 1983, NAQCPA has held their annual Pioneer Day celebration in Almaden Quicksilver County Park, in partnership with the County Parks Department. The original purpose of Pioneer Day was to be a get-together to share stories with former New Almaden miners and people who remembered the mines. While that is still the case, it has also been associated with the dedication of historic sites, interpretive signs, or projects in the park. Most of these were NAQCPA projects, or NAQCPA members were involved with them.

Pioneer Day – 10/09/22 – Returning after two-year Covid hiatus



NAQCPA's annual Pioneer Day is a time to remember and celebrate the glory days of the New Almaden Quicksilver Mine. After a two-year Covid hiatus, this year's Pioneer Day will be even more special - we will recognize Kitty for 40 years of NAQCPA leadership, say farewell to NAQCPA leaders who have passed in the last two years, and hear from a descendent (Richard Williams) of Cornish Quicksilver Miners. Join us on October 8th, 11:00 am, at the Casa Grande in New Almaden.


New Almaden Days

New Almaden Jump-In Parade, 9/13/14
The Santa Clara County Horsemen's Association at the Jump-In Parade, 9/13/14
For more than 34 years, the community of New Almaden has held their New Almaden Day community celebration, kicked off by the Jump-In parade. It's an informal parade around the town, where anyone can jump in and join. Afterwards, there is a carnival held at the New Almaden Community Center, featuring games, prizes, food, and entertainment. The last New Almaden Day and Jump-In Parade was held on Saturday September 14, 2019, starting at 11:00 am at the New Almaden Community Center. It was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. It will be coming back on September 10, 2022.

News, Media, Articles, and Links

Recipients of Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Recipients of the Lifetime Presidential Volunteer Service Award (L to R): Art Boudreault, Roy Ichinaga, Ron Horii, Mike Boulland, Ranger John Heenan accepting for Richard and Margaret Brunner, Kitty Monahan, Jaime Day

Pictures and Special Reports

View from Hidalgo Mine Trail
View of Almaden Reservoir from the Hidalgo Cemetery Trail
Below are webpages, slideshows, and photo albums of Almaden Quicksilver County Park by Ron Horii. Note that the Facebook albums may require signing into Facebook.

2022 Almaden Quicksilver events
Living History Day, Casa Grande, 2/14/15
Living History Day, Casa Grande, 2/14/15, left to right: Mike Boulland, Mary Moran, Elaine Hill, Bridgett Orcutt, Doug Bergtholdt

See here for the County Parks' Latest Play Here Guide.
See here for past events at Almaden Quicksilver and other parks.
  • 2022
    • Fri. Jan 21, 10am - 1pm: Almaden Quicksilver Beautification Day. Do you wish to give back to your County Parks? Here's an opportunity to volunteer at Almaden Quicksilver County Park and get in your weekend workout. Join a Park Ranger in brushing the sides of the Yellow Kid trail to keep the trail wide and accessible. Tools will be provided, but be sure to bring sturdy hiking boots, as you will be hiking to the work area. Bring a refillable water bottle, work gloves, and dress in layers for working in the cold. SIGN UP
    • Sat. Jan 22, 9am-12pm: Quicksilver History Hike. Explore what remains of the once-bustling mining operations in the hills above New Almaden. This moderate, 4-mile hike in Almaden Quicksilver County Park leaves from the Wood Road parking lot off Hicks Road in San Jose. Dress in layers with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, and bring plenty of drinking water. No pre-registration is necessary.
    • Sat. Feb 5, 9am - 12pm: Trail Watch Volunteer Training. Do you love hiking, biking, or horseback riding in Santa Clara County Parks? As a Trail Watch volunteer, you could serve to keep our parks friendly, welcoming, and safe. Attend the virtual Trail Watch Academy training via Zoom to join our team of volunteers. Questions? Email volunteer@park.sccgov.org. SIGN UP
    • Sat. Feb 26, 9am-12pm: Quicksilver History Hike. See Jan 22. 
    • Sat. March 26th, Sat. June 25, Sun. July 24, Sun. August 28 9:00 am - 12:00pm. Quicksilver History Hike. Join an Almaden Quicksilver Park Interpreter to explore what remains of the once-bustling mining operations in the hills above New Almaden. This moderate 3-4 mile hike leaves from the Wood Road parking lot of Almaden Quicksilver County Park and is offered once a month. Registration for the hike opens on the 1st of the month that the hike is offered. Space is limited. For more information call 408-918-7700. Advanced registration required.
    • Wed. March 30, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm .The Stupendous Women of the Santa Clara Valley. Throughout its history, many incredible women have lived in the Santa Clara Valley. A look back at the valley in the 19th and early 20th centuries offers the chance to examine the lives of a few of the women who stood out from everyone else. Questions? Email Rob.McDonnell@prk.sccgov.org. Sign up here.
    • Sun. April 24, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, Earth Day Event. Help beautify the grounds of the historic Casa Grande. Contact Info: Volunteer Program Office (408) 918-4930. Address: 21350 Almaden Rd. San Jose 95120. Meet in the main parking lot of Casa Grande (home of the Quicksilver Mining Museum). See here for more Earth Day events and to sign up.
    • Sun. April 24, 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. Quicksilver History Hike. See March 26. Advanced registration required.
    • Sat. May 21, 9am - 12 pm. National River Cleanup Day, multiple locations. National River Cleanup is a national day of action to protect our rivers, watersheds, and wildlife from trash and debris. Since its inception in 1991, American Rivers have engaged more than 1.3 million volunteers who have participated in thousands of cleanups across the country, covering more than 261,000 miles of waterways and removing more than 32.5 million pounds of litter and debris. More information and sign ups. 
    • Sat. July 9, 9 am - 3 pm. Play Like a Miner. Imagine a day in the life of a mercury miner and other 19th century residents of New Almaden at this fun family event, featuring games, crafts, rocks, and mining-era activities for all ages. Questions? Email jaclyn.caldwell@prk.sccgov.org.
    • Sat. October 8. Pioneer Day, 11:00 am, Casa Grande, Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Details TBD.

2019-2022 Events at Other Parks
Rancho San Vicente, 3/28/15
From the Rancho San Vicente Hike, 3/28/15 These events are mostly at neighboring parks, like Santa Teresa, Calero, and Hellyer.

    See here for Santa Clara Open Space Authority events.
    See here for     past events at Almaden Quicksilver and other parks.
     
  • 2022
    • Sat, Jan 15, 2 - 3pm: Hatch A Dream. January is the best time for seeing nests! We will explore nest specimens, attempt our own nest weaving, and take a mindful stroll of discovery. Meet at Anderson Lake Visitor Center, 19245 Malaguerra Ave., Morgan Hill. Email janet.shriner@prk.sccgov.org for more information.
    • Jan 15 - 16: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Weekend of Service. "Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve" Martin Luther King, Jr. In honor of the holiday, we celebrate the civil rights leader's life and legacy as a national day of service, encouraging all Americans to volunteer to improve their communities. Santa Clara County Parks will be hosting beautification events throughout the weekend at different county park locations where volunteers can join park staff to plant, weed and pick up litter. VOLUNTEER SITES
    • Beginning Sat, Jan 15: Alivso Weeding Parties. Santa Clara County Parks is partnering with San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory for multiple habitat restoration events at Alviso Marina County Park, beginning Saturday, January 15. We need volunteers to help pull weeds, plant new native plants, and spread mulch to help restore this coastal habitat. SIGN UP
    • Sun, Jan 16, 5:30 - 6:30pm: Full Moon Explorers. Join Park Interpreter Katrina to explore the moon and the night sky on a dusk-to-dark walk at historic Bernal Ranch. Share your traditions that involve the moon, get to know the lunar phases, and navigate through the ranch using only the light from the night sky. Families are welcome. Best for ages 8+.
    • Wed, 1/26, 2/2, & 2/9, 6 - 7:15pm: Neighborhood Naturalists. Curious about the natural world in your own neighborhood? This educational program for adults introduces participants to the natural history of Santa Clara County. Each week will bring expert guest speakers who cover local geology, native plants, and common wildlife, as well as "homework" activities including neighborhood walks, stargazing, and nature journaling. Email luke.bailey@prk.sccgov.org for more information
    • Sat, Feb 5, 9am - 12pm: Trail Watch Volunteer Training. Do you love hiking, biking, or horseback riding in Santa Clara County Parks? As a Trail Watch volunteer, you could serve to keep our parks friendly, welcoming, and safe. Attend the virtual Trail Watch Academy training via Zoom to join our team of volunteers. Questions? Email volunteer@park.sccgov.org. SIGN UP
    • Fri, March 4, 9:30am - 12pm: Bernal Ranch Chicken Coop Cleaning. Chicken-loving volunteers are needed to help revamp the chicken display coop at the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch of Santa Teresa County Park. Join park staff to help prepare the coop for a future flock of resident hens. Sign up to help scoop out old shavings, rake out and pack down the run, and assist with general repairs.
    • Sun, March 13, 6 - 7pm. Family Twilight Oaks Stroll. Take a walk in the early-evening light and explore the wonderful oak woodlands along the new trail at historic Bernal Ranch. Learn about the value of this protected habitat and look for signs of native wildlife as the daylight fades toward darkness. Be sure to dress in layers and bring a flashlight for this family-friendly activity. For more information, email katrina.semene@prk.sccgov.org. Space is limited. 
    • Wednesday, March 30, 6:00 pm-7:00 pm .The Stupendous Women of the Santa Clara Valley. Throughout its history, many incredible women have lived in the Santa Clara Valley. A look back at the valley in the 19th and early 20th centuries offers the chance to examine the lives of a few of the women who stood out from everyone else. Questions? Email Rob.McDonnell@prk.sccgov.org. Sign up here.
    • Fri. April 22, 5-6 pm. Walk In The Woods Field Notes In Nature. Have you ever wondered how new discoveries are made? We can often learn about the world around us through careful observation and note taking. Join Park Interpreter Rob in the Santa Teresa County Park grasslands and oak woodlands for an Earth Day late afternoon nature walk where you can learn some techniques for field notes, drawing, and nature journaling. The trail will be unpaved and have slight grades. Be prepared with comfortable walking shoes. Email rob.mcdonnell@prk.sccgov.org for more information. Registrations required. Sign up here.
    • Sat. April 23, 6 - 7pm. Family Twilight Oaks Stroll. See March 13. Registrations required. Sign up here.
    • Sun. April 24 9am-12pm. Earth Day Cleanup Event at the Bernal Ranch. Help do weeding and cleanup around the ranch house and nearby paths. Address: Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch 372 Manila Dr San Jose, CA 95119. Contact Info: Volunteer Program Office (408) 918-4930.Park in the Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch Parking Lot. There will also be street parking available.  Sign up here.
    • Sat. April 30, 9:30 am - 10:30 am. Nature Exploration at Vasona! Join a Park Interpreter to explore Vasona Lake County Park and discover how movement shapes this park. Guided walk will be 1 mile long on a flat, paved walkway and will meet at the fishing pier. All ages welcome. Space is limited. Advanced registration required. Questions? Email jaclyn.caldwell@prk.sccgov.org. 
    • Sat, May 21, 9am - 12 pm. National River Cleanup Day, multiple locations. National River Cleanup is a national day of action to protect our rivers, watersheds, and wildlife from trash and debris. Since its inception in 1991, American Rivers have engaged more than 1.3 million volunteers who have participated in thousands of cleanups across the country, covering more than 261,000 miles of waterways and removing more than 32.5 million pounds of litter and debris. More information and sign ups. 
    • Sat. May 21, 7-9 pm. Preservation Awards Night. History San Jose Park. $15 General Admission, Under 18 Free. In recognition of this year’s National Preservation Month, the newly formed Santa Clara County Preservation Alliance will host a Preservation Awards Night to bring the public and local preservation groups together for a celebratory event. NAQCPA President Kitty Monahan and NAQCPA member Bruce Bartlett will be honored at this event. See here for more information and to purchase tickets.
    • Sat. June 19, 9-10 am. Mindful Walking in Nature. Santa Teresa Park. Relish the joy of being in the moment and fully aware of your body and mind. Learn how to be mindful and minimize your wandering thoughts while walking through nature.  Meet at the picnic benches near the Bernal Ranch House with water, comfortable shoes and layers. Recommended for ages 18 and up.(408) 335-9208. Register here.
    • Sat, July 30, 5-8 pm. La Fuente. Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch, Santa Teresa Park. Celebrate the families of the past, present, and future at Bernal-Gulnac-Joice Ranch and their relationship to the Santa Teresa Spring. Evening festivities include music, stories, crafts, and games for all ages. No registration required, just come on by between 5pm and 8pm! Questions? Please email rob.mcdonnell@prk.sccgov.org. 
    • Sat. Sept. 10, 11 am. New Almaden Day Jump-In Parade and celebration at the New Almaden Community Center.

    Copyright © New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association 

    For more information about the organization and activities, send us an email at naqcpa.newalmaden@gmail.com.
    For questions about the website, contact our webmaster, Ron Horii. Updated 8/9/22.