Local Preservation Societies

Victorian Preservation Association The VPA is based in San Jose. Find info on local historic buildings and many resources for building restoration.
Hensley Historic District has the largest concentration of Victorian homes left in San Jose, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Find some nice maps, photos, history and events.
Palm Haven Neighborhood Palm Haven is a designated conservation area in San Jose and features many homes from the 1930's and 40's along palm lined streets.
Milpitas Historical Society Read about Milpitas' interesting history and view historic site s.
Mountain View Preservation Alliance The MVPA is a group of citizens dedicated to preserving the buildings and places that represent their community's heritage. A great links page.
Palo Alto Stanford Heritage, PAST supports preservation in the greater Palo Alto-Stanford area.
Santa Clara County's Preservation Program Read about the Historical Heritage Commission, Heritage Resource Inventory, Historic Zoning Districts, environmental review and economic incentives for structures in the County's jurisdiction.
Victorian Alliance of San Francisco Monthly educational meetings and house tours. Members share expertise on current issues and preservation techniques.
Oakland Heritage Alliance
Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association

California Preservation Resources

California Office of Historic Preservation The main state agency responsible for historic preservation in California and home to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). Find information on the State Historic Building Code.
California Preservation Foundation CPF holds an annual conference and provides workshops, technical assistance, advocacy and excellent publications.
The Western Regional Office of the NTHP is located in San Francisco. Their newsletter spotlights local preservation issues.
Brandt-Hawley Law Group represents environmentalists and preservationists in litigation using their extensive experience in CEQA and Federal Section 106 requirements. PAC*SJ has employed their services to successfully prevent the demolition of historic buildings in San Jose. 707-938-3908
California State University Reform - The California State Bell is the independent voice for California State University (CSU) historic preservation, reform and restoration.

National Trust for Historic Preservation The foremost organization in the nation concerned with preserving cultural and historic resources within the US.
National Park Service Links to the Past Info on the National Register, preservation programs, national parks and museums, tax incentives and Historic Preservation Officers nationwide.
Save America's Treasures Identifies and rescues enduring symbols of American tradition.
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Provides a forum for influencing Federal activities, programs, and policies as they affect historic resources.
Preservation Links at Cornell An extensive list of preservation resources on the Internet.
SPIRO - UC Berkeley Slide and Photograph Image Retrieval Online is a searchable database of downloadable images for subjects including architectural and urban history, design, city maps and; more.
Old House Web A one-stop shop for old house enthusiasts. Links to Products and Suppliers, How-to Articles, message boards, classifieds, a Bookstore.. Wow!
LacetoLeather.com A good source for Victorian restoration and decorating. Links to suppliers of antique and reproduction hardware, plumbing and lighting.
National Trust's Preservation Books
National Main Street Center Bookstore
Heritage Preservation Services Bookstore (from Nat'l Parks)

Seismic Retrofit of an Historic Victorian The owners of this Victorian house in San Jose upgraded an existing brick foundation.