Alviso Untold Story
Become a Part of History
Our Mission
Learn about Alviso, a hidden gem on the edge of Silicon Valley. Our documentary dives into this unique town's rich history, stunning natural beauty, and its resilience amidst rapid urbanization. Explore the blend of old and new as we uncover the vibrant community spirit and environmental treasures that make Alviso a captivating story of transformation and preservation. Join us on a journey through the past, present, and future of this extraordinary place.
A Quick Glance of History of Alviso
This slide deck provides a concise overview of Alviso’s history, covering its origins as a Spanish mission settlement, its maritime heritage, farming life, the Bayside Canning Company, its neighboring ghost town of Drawbridge, the community’s challenges, and its current state. Click on the arrows on the bottom to learn more.
Thomas Foon Chew Documentary
This documentary is a journey into the life of a man who defied the odds and built one of the largest canneries in the world. At a time when Chinese Americans faced heavy discrimination, Foon Chew not only created a thriving business but also provided jobs, dignity, and hope to thousands.
Told through rare photos, community memories, and youth-led storytelling, this film brings his legacy back to life. It’s not just about canneries and factories—it’s about resilience, belonging, and how one man’s vision transformed a small town and left a mark that still inspires today.
3D Model for Bayside Canning Company
Once the nation’s third-largest cannery under Thomas Foon Chew, Bayside Canning Company now stands in ruins yet remains a San José Historic Landmark. To revive its legacy, I digitally reconstructed one of its original buildings using archival photos, 3D modeling, and AI rendering. This project marks the beginning of a larger effort to virtually preserve the entire campus and bring Alviso’s history to life.
Special thanks to Mr. Jeff Cristina for site access and to Eason B. and Ethan for photography and aerial shots.
A Day at Bayside Canning Company - Generated by AI
I used Sora to generate a movie depicting a typical day at BaySide Canning Company in the 1920s. I first used ChatGPT to create detailed prompts for each scene. I then pasted each prompt into Sora to generate the individual scenes. Finally, I imported all the scenes into iMovie to assemble the complete video.
About the Team
Grant Han
Grant is a senior currently attending Basis Independent Silicon Valley. Ever since he was young, he has been fascinated with history and historical research. He hopes to bring awareness and attention to Alviso using the power of history.
Evan Shi
Evan is a high school senior from Texas. He has many interests, including filmmaking and 3d modeling. In his free time, he loves to explore new creative projects and improve his talents.
Our Mentors
CompassPoint Mentorship is a 501c3 non-profit organization established in March 2013 with a strong commitment to the community. Over the years, they have successfully executed a range of programs, including summer camps in Alviso and at Santa Clara University, which provide engaging and educational activities for youths. In addition, they are passionate about public art initiatives, having installed stunning murals in various parks throughout Santa Clara County.
Founded in 1987, the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) is a nonprofit based in Santa Clara County, California. CHCP promotes, educates, and preserves Chinese and Chinese American history and culture through community outreach activities.
