2020 rhs/moya first friday speakers
March 6 ~ Arequipa San Francisco physician Philip King Brown opened the Arequipa Sanatorium in Fairfax in 1911 to treat women suffering from tuberculosis. Author Lynn Downey's grandmother took the cure in the late 1920s and Lynn grew up hearing stories about this remarkable institution, which she describes in her book Arequipa Sanatorium: Life in California's Lung Resort for Women.
September 18 (VIA Zoom Webinar) ~ The Branson School shares a long history with the Town of Ross, beginning in 1922 when it moved from San Rafael to the John Martin Fern Hill Estate. Join Librarian Laurie Deibel for an introduction to the school's history, as she shares stories, images and memorabilia from the Branson archives.
October 2 (VIA Zoom Webinar) ~ The Prohibition Years in Marin: No Need to Speak Easy Local historian and educator John Freeman, will commemorate the centennial of The Volstead Act and Prohibition in Marin and the Bay Area. The thirteen Prohibition years, from 1920 – 1933, have been sensationalized for gang violence, dramatic enforcement against contraband or homemade liquor, and the ingenious ways people used to conceal illicit alcoholic beverage. But in the counties around the Bay: San Francisco, Marin, Alameda and San Mateo, the attitude toward all forms of alcohol was much more tolerant.
November 6 (VIA Zoom Webinar) ~ New Deal North Bay President Franklin Roosevelt intended his work relief agencies to extricate the U.S. from the Great Depression but their public works also catapulted the nation into the mid-twentieth century while improving the lives of millions and generations to follow. Dr. Gray Brechin is the founder and Project Scholar of the Living New Deal which is excavating the remains of a lost civilization that is all around us, indispensable, but largely invisible.
September 18 (VIA Zoom Webinar) ~ The Branson School shares a long history with the Town of Ross, beginning in 1922 when it moved from San Rafael to the John Martin Fern Hill Estate. Join Librarian Laurie Deibel for an introduction to the school's history, as she shares stories, images and memorabilia from the Branson archives.
October 2 (VIA Zoom Webinar) ~ The Prohibition Years in Marin: No Need to Speak Easy Local historian and educator John Freeman, will commemorate the centennial of The Volstead Act and Prohibition in Marin and the Bay Area. The thirteen Prohibition years, from 1920 – 1933, have been sensationalized for gang violence, dramatic enforcement against contraband or homemade liquor, and the ingenious ways people used to conceal illicit alcoholic beverage. But in the counties around the Bay: San Francisco, Marin, Alameda and San Mateo, the attitude toward all forms of alcohol was much more tolerant.
November 6 (VIA Zoom Webinar) ~ New Deal North Bay President Franklin Roosevelt intended his work relief agencies to extricate the U.S. from the Great Depression but their public works also catapulted the nation into the mid-twentieth century while improving the lives of millions and generations to follow. Dr. Gray Brechin is the founder and Project Scholar of the Living New Deal which is excavating the remains of a lost civilization that is all around us, indispensable, but largely invisible.
2019 rhs/moya first friday speakers
March 1 ~ LOCOMOTIVE #9 Mt. Tamalpais’s Scenic Railway thrust 19th century agricultural Marin on to the world stage. The railroad was more than just a tourist attraction. There was science and politics and literature. In 1930 the railroad was rudely swept from the mountain, its cars burned, rails sold and relics scrapped. Today one piece, the last locomotive purchased, survives. Historian FRED RUNNER talked about the lost railroad and the process to save the last locomotive.
April 5 ~ The California Supreme Court: Inside and Out. We heard from Ross resident and recently retired California Supreme Court Justice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar, the third woman ever to serve on the Court, about her experiences under three Chief Justices and four governors over almost a quarter century of service. Town of Ross Mayor Beach Kuhl moderated and many attended.
May 3 ~ MT. TAMALPAIS: THREE PEAKS, OLD TRAILS. We followed in the footsteps of early scientist-explorers William Brewer and Charles Hoffman with local historian and photographer BRAD RIPPE as they ascended Mt. Tamalpais as members of the California Geological Survey in the early 1860s. Illustrated with historic and recent maps and photographs, we learned about this early adventure and other fascinating stories along the old trails of Mt. Tamalpais.
June 7 ~ HER SIDE OF THE STORY: CALIFORNIA PIONEER WOMEN. The Society of California Pioneers Librarian PAT KEATS presentated rare, first person reminiscences of California pioneer women, highlighting the role women played on the formation of the state. If you missed the talk or want to learn more, go to the online exhibit or visit their
Museum in the Presidio .
September 13 ~ ANNUAL MEETING ROSS: A RICH HISTORY, presented by Moya/RHS Historian RICHARD TORNEY, and Librarian FRAN CAPPELLETTI. We heard about some of the rich history of this small town with archival photos of people, places and events over the course of time to see how much has changed and how much has not.
October 4 ~ THE LAKES OF MT. TAMALPAIS, an illustrated talk by MMWD senior park ranger MATT CERKEL who has extensively studied and documented the human and natural history of Mt. Tam. He prepared this show to mark the 2019 centennial of the creation of Alpine Lake.
November 1 ~ SAN FRANCISCO’S FERRY BUILDING. Author ANNE EVERS HITZ, a fifth-generation San Franciscan, has gathered together images from libraries and private collections to tell the Ferry Building story. One of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks, it was once the second busiest transit terminal in the world, with more than 50,000 people a day passing through the elegant structure.
April 5 ~ The California Supreme Court: Inside and Out. We heard from Ross resident and recently retired California Supreme Court Justice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar, the third woman ever to serve on the Court, about her experiences under three Chief Justices and four governors over almost a quarter century of service. Town of Ross Mayor Beach Kuhl moderated and many attended.
May 3 ~ MT. TAMALPAIS: THREE PEAKS, OLD TRAILS. We followed in the footsteps of early scientist-explorers William Brewer and Charles Hoffman with local historian and photographer BRAD RIPPE as they ascended Mt. Tamalpais as members of the California Geological Survey in the early 1860s. Illustrated with historic and recent maps and photographs, we learned about this early adventure and other fascinating stories along the old trails of Mt. Tamalpais.
June 7 ~ HER SIDE OF THE STORY: CALIFORNIA PIONEER WOMEN. The Society of California Pioneers Librarian PAT KEATS presentated rare, first person reminiscences of California pioneer women, highlighting the role women played on the formation of the state. If you missed the talk or want to learn more, go to the online exhibit or visit their
Museum in the Presidio .
September 13 ~ ANNUAL MEETING ROSS: A RICH HISTORY, presented by Moya/RHS Historian RICHARD TORNEY, and Librarian FRAN CAPPELLETTI. We heard about some of the rich history of this small town with archival photos of people, places and events over the course of time to see how much has changed and how much has not.
October 4 ~ THE LAKES OF MT. TAMALPAIS, an illustrated talk by MMWD senior park ranger MATT CERKEL who has extensively studied and documented the human and natural history of Mt. Tam. He prepared this show to mark the 2019 centennial of the creation of Alpine Lake.
November 1 ~ SAN FRANCISCO’S FERRY BUILDING. Author ANNE EVERS HITZ, a fifth-generation San Franciscan, has gathered together images from libraries and private collections to tell the Ferry Building story. One of San Francisco’s most famous landmarks, it was once the second busiest transit terminal in the world, with more than 50,000 people a day passing through the elegant structure.
2018 rhs/moya first friday speakers
March 2 ~ Filmmaker GARY YOST is best known for his films about Mt Tam, including A Day in the Life of a Fire Lookout. He discussed and showed short videos he made supporting the restoration of West Peak which was leveled to create a Cold War era Air Force Base. See his documentary and learn more about his important work at invisiblepeak.com and garyyost.com .
April 6 ~ Rail Historian ANGELO FIGONE presented an illustrated talk on his book
THE NORTHWESTERN PACIFIC RAILROAD, Lifeline of the Redwood Empire/Boom and Bust 1951–2001. Steam and Diesel operations between Tiburon and Eureka, many railroading details and dramatic flooding were shown.
May 4 ~ Archivist and Historian LAURIE THOMPSON shared her in depth research about the California Motion Picture Company’s silent film studio in San Rafael’s Sun Valley. Film Star Beatriz Michelena and Director George Middleton began their careers there and were featured with photos and ephemera from the Anne T. Kent California Room collection.
You can find more about their star Beatriz Michelana and see the intro to their film Salomy Jane, courtesy of the Women Film Pioneers Project.
June 1 ~ “ALESI: THE LIFE, DEATH, AND DISCOVERY OF AN ANCESTOR” Guest speaker and Ross resident DR. ISAIAH NENGO talked about how the recent discovery of a 13 million-year-old fossil infant ape skull has offered a rare glimpse of what the common ancestor of all living apes and humans may have looked like.
You can find more about his work with the Turkana Basin Institute in Nairobi, Kenya. You can support his research or contact him at Isaiah Nengo, Turkana Basin Institute, P.O. Box 24926, Nairobi 00502 Kenya,
Isaiah.Nengo@stonybrook.edu, or +254713287897
September 14 ~ ANNUAL MEETING James Ross descendant TOM PERRY shared information and photos of his great aunt ISABELLA WORN and her sisters. In the early 1900s, the Misses Worn (Bella, Annie & Grace) were renowned floral decorators. Raised in Ross Valley, their artistic expression was featured throughout high society, including the Palace Hotel, the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, 1939 World's Fair, San Simeon and Filoli.
October 5 ~ THE DOUGHBOY EXPERIENCE-AMERICANS IN THE GREAT WAR. This presentation by Military Historian COLONEL FRED RUTLEDGE covered the lead-up to America’s declaration of war against Germany in April 1917, the mobilization of military forces, the battles in France, life in the trenches, and the troops coming home in 1919. Uniforms and artifacts were displayed and it was a fascinating talk.
November 2 ~ HANGING WITH MOYLAN Brewer and operator of Stillwater Spirits in Petaluma BRENDAN MOYLAN talked about the recent growth of craft distilleries and the art of production of high quality artisan whiskey and spirits. It was a terrific way to end our year.
April 6 ~ Rail Historian ANGELO FIGONE presented an illustrated talk on his book
THE NORTHWESTERN PACIFIC RAILROAD, Lifeline of the Redwood Empire/Boom and Bust 1951–2001. Steam and Diesel operations between Tiburon and Eureka, many railroading details and dramatic flooding were shown.
May 4 ~ Archivist and Historian LAURIE THOMPSON shared her in depth research about the California Motion Picture Company’s silent film studio in San Rafael’s Sun Valley. Film Star Beatriz Michelena and Director George Middleton began their careers there and were featured with photos and ephemera from the Anne T. Kent California Room collection.
You can find more about their star Beatriz Michelana and see the intro to their film Salomy Jane, courtesy of the Women Film Pioneers Project.
June 1 ~ “ALESI: THE LIFE, DEATH, AND DISCOVERY OF AN ANCESTOR” Guest speaker and Ross resident DR. ISAIAH NENGO talked about how the recent discovery of a 13 million-year-old fossil infant ape skull has offered a rare glimpse of what the common ancestor of all living apes and humans may have looked like.
You can find more about his work with the Turkana Basin Institute in Nairobi, Kenya. You can support his research or contact him at Isaiah Nengo, Turkana Basin Institute, P.O. Box 24926, Nairobi 00502 Kenya,
Isaiah.Nengo@stonybrook.edu, or +254713287897
September 14 ~ ANNUAL MEETING James Ross descendant TOM PERRY shared information and photos of his great aunt ISABELLA WORN and her sisters. In the early 1900s, the Misses Worn (Bella, Annie & Grace) were renowned floral decorators. Raised in Ross Valley, their artistic expression was featured throughout high society, including the Palace Hotel, the 1915 Panama Pacific Exposition, 1939 World's Fair, San Simeon and Filoli.
October 5 ~ THE DOUGHBOY EXPERIENCE-AMERICANS IN THE GREAT WAR. This presentation by Military Historian COLONEL FRED RUTLEDGE covered the lead-up to America’s declaration of war against Germany in April 1917, the mobilization of military forces, the battles in France, life in the trenches, and the troops coming home in 1919. Uniforms and artifacts were displayed and it was a fascinating talk.
November 2 ~ HANGING WITH MOYLAN Brewer and operator of Stillwater Spirits in Petaluma BRENDAN MOYLAN talked about the recent growth of craft distilleries and the art of production of high quality artisan whiskey and spirits. It was a terrific way to end our year.
2017 RHS/Moya First Friday Speakers
March 3 ~ ERNEST BRAUN - A LIFE IN PHOTOGRAPHY. With clients spanning the globe, exhibitions in major museums, seven published books and many devoted students, Mr. Braun's career spanned more than 60 years. His son JONATHAN BRAUN presented an illustrated retrospective of his Ernest's work.
For more information, visit http://www.ernestbraun.com/ .
April 7 ~ The KENTFIELD GREENBRAE HISTORICAL SOCIETY presented a documentary about long time Kentfield resident GEORGE DEMONT OTIS, an American Impressionist Painter. The final thirty years of his life were dedicated to celebrating Marin’s landscapes in many mediums. Otis family members will be on hand to share memories, original paintings and memorabilia. View the documentary, Visions of Marin: George Demont Otis, American Impressionist and visit the KGHS site for more information.
May 5 ~ With an illustrated presentation, Project Director ALAN OLSON explained how modern technology has been blended with traditional techniques to build the wooden historic tall ship MATTHEW TURNER, which will be used to provide educational programs for S. F. Bay Area students of all ages.
For more information, visit http://educationaltallship.org/
June 2 ~ DR. MARTY GRIFFIN, well known since WWII for his role in saving coastal watersheds and wildlife, will talk about some of the fascinating people and events in his medical and environmental career. The battle for Bolinas Lagoon, Tomales Bay and the Point Reyes National Seashore will be shown in a brief historic video. Dr. Griffin is founder of the Audubon Canyon Ranch and authored Saving the Marin Sonoma Coast, the basis for the film Rebels With a Cause.
For more about the Doctor, visit the L. Martin Griffin site.
September 15 ~ TALES FROM THE EARLY DAYS OF THE MARIN ART & GARDEN CENTER was the subject of a program by Moya-RHS Librarian FRAN CAPPELLETTI. In 1945, a small community came together for a large cause and started the Center. For more information on the Center History, visit our MAGC page .
October 6 ~ Bay Area historian DR. ROBERT CHERNY wrote THE PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO: FROM SPANISH COLONIAL OUTPOST TO NATIONAL PARK, a look at the history of the Presidio as it evolved from a Spanish military outpost to a U. S. Army base to a National Historic Landmark District run by the National Park Service and the Presidio Trust. Gary Widman presented the talk for Dr. Cherny, painting a fascinating portrait of this historic place.
Learn more at http://presidioassociation.org/.
November 3 ~ Author BETTY GOERKE presented A BROKEN PROPELLER, the gripping story of the first coast-to-coast air race in 1919. The race began simultaneously in San Francisco and Long Island in WWI open cockpit planes with no parachutes. Fifty-nine pilots battled rain, fog and snow, with many forced landings and crashes. Her father was one of the eight who completed the race.
For more information, visit http://www.ernestbraun.com/ .
April 7 ~ The KENTFIELD GREENBRAE HISTORICAL SOCIETY presented a documentary about long time Kentfield resident GEORGE DEMONT OTIS, an American Impressionist Painter. The final thirty years of his life were dedicated to celebrating Marin’s landscapes in many mediums. Otis family members will be on hand to share memories, original paintings and memorabilia. View the documentary, Visions of Marin: George Demont Otis, American Impressionist and visit the KGHS site for more information.
May 5 ~ With an illustrated presentation, Project Director ALAN OLSON explained how modern technology has been blended with traditional techniques to build the wooden historic tall ship MATTHEW TURNER, which will be used to provide educational programs for S. F. Bay Area students of all ages.
For more information, visit http://educationaltallship.org/
June 2 ~ DR. MARTY GRIFFIN, well known since WWII for his role in saving coastal watersheds and wildlife, will talk about some of the fascinating people and events in his medical and environmental career. The battle for Bolinas Lagoon, Tomales Bay and the Point Reyes National Seashore will be shown in a brief historic video. Dr. Griffin is founder of the Audubon Canyon Ranch and authored Saving the Marin Sonoma Coast, the basis for the film Rebels With a Cause.
For more about the Doctor, visit the L. Martin Griffin site.
September 15 ~ TALES FROM THE EARLY DAYS OF THE MARIN ART & GARDEN CENTER was the subject of a program by Moya-RHS Librarian FRAN CAPPELLETTI. In 1945, a small community came together for a large cause and started the Center. For more information on the Center History, visit our MAGC page .
October 6 ~ Bay Area historian DR. ROBERT CHERNY wrote THE PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO: FROM SPANISH COLONIAL OUTPOST TO NATIONAL PARK, a look at the history of the Presidio as it evolved from a Spanish military outpost to a U. S. Army base to a National Historic Landmark District run by the National Park Service and the Presidio Trust. Gary Widman presented the talk for Dr. Cherny, painting a fascinating portrait of this historic place.
Learn more at http://presidioassociation.org/.
November 3 ~ Author BETTY GOERKE presented A BROKEN PROPELLER, the gripping story of the first coast-to-coast air race in 1919. The race began simultaneously in San Francisco and Long Island in WWI open cockpit planes with no parachutes. Fifty-nine pilots battled rain, fog and snow, with many forced landings and crashes. Her father was one of the eight who completed the race.
2016 RHS/Moya First Friday Speakers
March 4 ~ THE MANY FACES OF TAMALPAIS. Roy Farrington Jones narrated his slide show featuring photos of nearly 100 paintings of Mt. Tamalpais done by well-known artists from the 1850’s to the 1940’s.
April 1 ~ JOE BREEZE, curator of the MARIN MUSEUM OF BICYCLING, presented a history of bicycling in Marin County from the 19th century. Learn more about the Marin Museum of Bicycling.
May 6 ~ Local golf historian SEAN TULLY gave an illustrated presentation on the early history of GOLF AND GOLF COURSES IN MARIN, 1898 -1935, featuring the locations of Marin’s earliest golf courses and brought to light some of the stories they have to tell.
Read more about the Meadow Club where Sean is Superintendent.
June 3 ~ JOE GARBARINO explained how in 1948 he began his career as a garbage collector and scavenger in North Beach, and went on to operate the groundbreaking Marin Recycling Center at Marin Sanitary Service.
September 16 ~ THE HISTORY OF THE ROSS FIRE DEPARTMENT. Recently retired Ross Fire Chief TOM VALLEE talked about the over 100 year old Ross Fire Department. The recorded presentation is available on the wonderful site hosted by Marin County Fire History.
October 7 ~ KORLA PANDIT is the subject of a film made by JOHN TURNER and ERIC CHRISTENSEN. The filmmakers showed clips and described the making of the film. Visit Korlapandit.com for more information.
November 4 ~ THE CUSHING AND ELDRIDGE FAMILIES IN MARIN. TIM WOOD, a Great Great Grandson of Dr. John Jenkes Cushing and John Oscar Eldridge, gave an illustrated presentation, bringing to life the legacies of these men and their families.
Read Tim's fascinating Oral History conducted by Debra Schwartz for the Mill Valley Library.
April 1 ~ JOE BREEZE, curator of the MARIN MUSEUM OF BICYCLING, presented a history of bicycling in Marin County from the 19th century. Learn more about the Marin Museum of Bicycling.
May 6 ~ Local golf historian SEAN TULLY gave an illustrated presentation on the early history of GOLF AND GOLF COURSES IN MARIN, 1898 -1935, featuring the locations of Marin’s earliest golf courses and brought to light some of the stories they have to tell.
Read more about the Meadow Club where Sean is Superintendent.
June 3 ~ JOE GARBARINO explained how in 1948 he began his career as a garbage collector and scavenger in North Beach, and went on to operate the groundbreaking Marin Recycling Center at Marin Sanitary Service.
September 16 ~ THE HISTORY OF THE ROSS FIRE DEPARTMENT. Recently retired Ross Fire Chief TOM VALLEE talked about the over 100 year old Ross Fire Department. The recorded presentation is available on the wonderful site hosted by Marin County Fire History.
October 7 ~ KORLA PANDIT is the subject of a film made by JOHN TURNER and ERIC CHRISTENSEN. The filmmakers showed clips and described the making of the film. Visit Korlapandit.com for more information.
November 4 ~ THE CUSHING AND ELDRIDGE FAMILIES IN MARIN. TIM WOOD, a Great Great Grandson of Dr. John Jenkes Cushing and John Oscar Eldridge, gave an illustrated presentation, bringing to life the legacies of these men and their families.
Read Tim's fascinating Oral History conducted by Debra Schwartz for the Mill Valley Library.
2015 RHS/Moya First Friday Speakers
March 6 ~ National Park historian STEPHEN HALLER presented an illustrated talk on the stories from his book, SHIPWRECKS AT THE GOLDEN GATE and recent efforts to learn more about these underwater artifacts of our maritime history.
April 3 ~ CALIFORNIA AND THE CIVIL WAR. In April 1865, the war was over, the Union preserved, and the President dead.
Historian ROBERT J. CHANDLER spoke on the political revolution that occurred in California from 1861 to 1865.
May 1 ~ Author DR. JUDITH TAYLOR returned to present her 4th book, VISIONS OF LOVELINESS, Great flower breeders of the Past. In this book she brings the wonderful and quirky people who developed many of our beloved flowers back to life.
June 5 ~ After 15 years of research and study, LAURA ACKLEY presented her new book SAN FRANCISCO'S JEWEL CITY: The Panama Pacific International Exposition of 1915. Her work examined the planning, design, exhibits, music, midway, technology, scandals, and political and cultural elements of the great San Francisco fair, just in time for its centennial. For more information visit www.sf1915.com/.
September 18 ~ The ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND LUNCHEON featured a celebration commemorating the 70th ANNIVERSARY OF MAGC (The Marin Art and Garden Center). See our MAGC history page for more.
October 2 ~ MIKE CASEY presented his new book about his Great Grandfather HENRY E. BOTHIN, Philanthropist of Steel.
Learn about his achievements from farm boy to businessman, industrialist, real estate investor, benefactor, and finally founder of a private foundation, still a major force in Bay Area philanthropy nearly a century after its inception.
April 3 ~ CALIFORNIA AND THE CIVIL WAR. In April 1865, the war was over, the Union preserved, and the President dead.
Historian ROBERT J. CHANDLER spoke on the political revolution that occurred in California from 1861 to 1865.
May 1 ~ Author DR. JUDITH TAYLOR returned to present her 4th book, VISIONS OF LOVELINESS, Great flower breeders of the Past. In this book she brings the wonderful and quirky people who developed many of our beloved flowers back to life.
June 5 ~ After 15 years of research and study, LAURA ACKLEY presented her new book SAN FRANCISCO'S JEWEL CITY: The Panama Pacific International Exposition of 1915. Her work examined the planning, design, exhibits, music, midway, technology, scandals, and political and cultural elements of the great San Francisco fair, just in time for its centennial. For more information visit www.sf1915.com/.
September 18 ~ The ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND LUNCHEON featured a celebration commemorating the 70th ANNIVERSARY OF MAGC (The Marin Art and Garden Center). See our MAGC history page for more.
October 2 ~ MIKE CASEY presented his new book about his Great Grandfather HENRY E. BOTHIN, Philanthropist of Steel.
Learn about his achievements from farm boy to businessman, industrialist, real estate investor, benefactor, and finally founder of a private foundation, still a major force in Bay Area philanthropy nearly a century after its inception.
2014 RHS/Moya First Friday Speakers
March 7 ~ Marin producer GEORGE THELEN showed his award winning film "San Agustin, California Shipwreck", documenting the November 1595 Spanish galleon shipwreck off of Point Reyes.
See previews and learn more at https://vimeo.com/thelencreative.
April 4 ~ Civil War re-enactor BARBARA GERLEMAN demonstrated from a southerners point of view how women supported the war effort while coping with many difficulties and limitations.
May 2 ~ Marin author DEWEY LIVINGSTON presented his new book "IN THE HEART OF MARIN, The History of Kentfield and Greenbrae, California", celebrating the 1914 Kent School Centennial. A presentation of historic photos by RICHARD TORNEY was included.
Learn more and get the book at http://www.kghs.org/in-the-heart-of-marin.
June 6 ~ ANNUAL FUND RAISER SPEAKER AND LUNCHEON AND DRAWING
Ross author JULIA FLYNN SILER presented her bestselling history, LOST KINGDOM: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings,
and America's First Imperial Venture. Visit her site at juliaflynnsiler.com for more information.
September 19 ~ ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The Octagon House
Architect James Dixon gave a program featuring the OCTAGON HOUSE at the Marin Art & Garden Center, the home of our own Octagon House, home of the Moya Library/Ross Historical Society. Built 150 years ago, this event was part of the celebration of this landmark building. See his presentation on YouTube.
October 3 ~ JEAN MOULIN presented a selection of images from three generations of photographers in the MOULIN STUDIOS of SAN FRANCISCO. In this collection there are over 100,000 photographs of people, places, and notable events from the 1880's to the present, showing the Bay Area, California, and beyond.
November 7 ~ MAGICAL MARIN COUNTY FAIR. As a child, JIM FARLEY attended the Marin County Fair at the Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross. From the 1970’s forward, he worked on the fair, and then served as the Marin County Fair manager at the Marin County Civic Center for nearly 40 years. With an illustrated presentation, Jim Farley shared the fair’s highlights, history and Marin County Fair innovations that shaped the fair industry nationwide.
See previews and learn more at https://vimeo.com/thelencreative.
April 4 ~ Civil War re-enactor BARBARA GERLEMAN demonstrated from a southerners point of view how women supported the war effort while coping with many difficulties and limitations.
May 2 ~ Marin author DEWEY LIVINGSTON presented his new book "IN THE HEART OF MARIN, The History of Kentfield and Greenbrae, California", celebrating the 1914 Kent School Centennial. A presentation of historic photos by RICHARD TORNEY was included.
Learn more and get the book at http://www.kghs.org/in-the-heart-of-marin.
June 6 ~ ANNUAL FUND RAISER SPEAKER AND LUNCHEON AND DRAWING
Ross author JULIA FLYNN SILER presented her bestselling history, LOST KINGDOM: Hawaii's Last Queen, the Sugar Kings,
and America's First Imperial Venture. Visit her site at juliaflynnsiler.com for more information.
September 19 ~ ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The Octagon House
Architect James Dixon gave a program featuring the OCTAGON HOUSE at the Marin Art & Garden Center, the home of our own Octagon House, home of the Moya Library/Ross Historical Society. Built 150 years ago, this event was part of the celebration of this landmark building. See his presentation on YouTube.
October 3 ~ JEAN MOULIN presented a selection of images from three generations of photographers in the MOULIN STUDIOS of SAN FRANCISCO. In this collection there are over 100,000 photographs of people, places, and notable events from the 1880's to the present, showing the Bay Area, California, and beyond.
November 7 ~ MAGICAL MARIN COUNTY FAIR. As a child, JIM FARLEY attended the Marin County Fair at the Marin Art & Garden Center in Ross. From the 1970’s forward, he worked on the fair, and then served as the Marin County Fair manager at the Marin County Civic Center for nearly 40 years. With an illustrated presentation, Jim Farley shared the fair’s highlights, history and Marin County Fair innovations that shaped the fair industry nationwide.
2013 RHS/Moya First Friday Speakers
March 1 ~ Bartender and writer JEFF “The Barfly” BURKHART talked about his new book TWENTY YEARS BEHIND BARS, and demonstrated his bartending skills. You can still read his column today at http://www.marinij.com/topic/barfly.
April 5 ~ KRISTIN TAGUE has been researching the disappearance of AMELIA EARHART for over 25 years, and presented an illustrated program describing historic information and new discoveries using archaeology, scientific research, oral history, archival research and other academic tools
May 3 ~ Marking the 150th anniversary of the MASSACHUSETTS 54th VOLUNTARY INFANTRY REGIMENT. Writer and life long student of the 54th NOAH GRIFFIN explained who they were and why they are important to present day history.
June 7 ~ HERB ROWLAND talked about his great-great grandfather Ignacio Pacheco’s Mexican land grant Rancho San Jose, and the history of the surrounding Novato countryside. There was also a tasting of wine made from grapes grown on the same property.
September 20 ~ Moya/RHS Director GARY SCALES provided an update on the effort to recount the Life of Jose Moya del Pino, including photos of many of Moya’s public paintings, murals, and paintings from his family’s private collections.
Visit our Moya page for more about the artist.
October 4 ~ SAN ANSELMO NOW AND THEN. San Anselmo Historical commissioner JUDY COY took us on a virtual tour and shared the hidden histories behind some of San Anselmo’s landmarks. Copies of her new book SAN ANSELMO were available. Judy is still at the San Anselmo Historical Museum.
November 1 ~ THERE'S A TRAIN COMING TO TOWN. SMART Community Outreach Commissioner MATT STEVENS explained the history of SMART, and presented an update of construction, equipment, manufacturing progress, and planned operational scheduling. Yes, the SMART trains are now running.
April 5 ~ KRISTIN TAGUE has been researching the disappearance of AMELIA EARHART for over 25 years, and presented an illustrated program describing historic information and new discoveries using archaeology, scientific research, oral history, archival research and other academic tools
May 3 ~ Marking the 150th anniversary of the MASSACHUSETTS 54th VOLUNTARY INFANTRY REGIMENT. Writer and life long student of the 54th NOAH GRIFFIN explained who they were and why they are important to present day history.
June 7 ~ HERB ROWLAND talked about his great-great grandfather Ignacio Pacheco’s Mexican land grant Rancho San Jose, and the history of the surrounding Novato countryside. There was also a tasting of wine made from grapes grown on the same property.
September 20 ~ Moya/RHS Director GARY SCALES provided an update on the effort to recount the Life of Jose Moya del Pino, including photos of many of Moya’s public paintings, murals, and paintings from his family’s private collections.
Visit our Moya page for more about the artist.
October 4 ~ SAN ANSELMO NOW AND THEN. San Anselmo Historical commissioner JUDY COY took us on a virtual tour and shared the hidden histories behind some of San Anselmo’s landmarks. Copies of her new book SAN ANSELMO were available. Judy is still at the San Anselmo Historical Museum.
November 1 ~ THERE'S A TRAIN COMING TO TOWN. SMART Community Outreach Commissioner MATT STEVENS explained the history of SMART, and presented an update of construction, equipment, manufacturing progress, and planned operational scheduling. Yes, the SMART trains are now running.
2012 RHS/Moya First Friday Speakers
March 2 ~ Laurel Collins, a Bay Area geomorphologist, presented an illustrated talk on the effects of natural processes and historical human interactions on Corte Madera Creek. See another talk on the Creek by Laura here.
April 6 ~ John Martini presented an illustrated program on the Civil War, Defending San Francisco. See a related talk by John here.
May 4 ~ Mary Currie, Golden Gate Bridge Public Affairs Director, talked about the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary.
June 1 ~ Movies in Marin County. The ESSANAY FILM COMPANY arrived in San Rafael on May 31, 1911, and spent the next 7 months making westerns, comedies and dramas. This was their story told by Bay Area Silent Film Historian DAVID KIEHN.
September 21 ~ Tamalpais Conservation Club President LARRY MINIKES and MMWD Chief Ranger BILL HOGAN presented an illustrated program on the efforts to protect and preserve Mt. Tamalpais and its watershed. Since 1912 the Tamalpais Conservation Club has served as the guardian of Mt. Tam. Generations of club members who appreciate the mountain for its scenic beauty have helped protect Mt. Tam.
October 5 ~ The History of the MMWD: A Century of Service and Stewardship. MMWD Director & author JACK GIBSON and MMWD Park Ranger MATT CERKEL presented an illustrated talk on the history of the Marin Municipal Water District and its Mount Tamalpais Watershed. The MMWD is the oldest Municipal Water district in California, founded in 1912, and has managed the majority of Mount Tamalpais since 1917.
November 2 ~ MODERN SAN RAFAEL: 1940 – 2000 begins where the Museum’s first volume, Early San Rafael left off. With dramatic changes after WW II, the gentle hills with roaming cattle gave way to housing developments and shopping centers. Author and librarian JOCELYN MOSS, and book contributor BRUCE SCHWARZE researched photos from the Marin History Museum’s collection to make this lively history available to a modern audience. Copies of their new book MODERN SAN RAFAEL,1940–2000 were available.
April 6 ~ John Martini presented an illustrated program on the Civil War, Defending San Francisco. See a related talk by John here.
May 4 ~ Mary Currie, Golden Gate Bridge Public Affairs Director, talked about the Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary.
June 1 ~ Movies in Marin County. The ESSANAY FILM COMPANY arrived in San Rafael on May 31, 1911, and spent the next 7 months making westerns, comedies and dramas. This was their story told by Bay Area Silent Film Historian DAVID KIEHN.
September 21 ~ Tamalpais Conservation Club President LARRY MINIKES and MMWD Chief Ranger BILL HOGAN presented an illustrated program on the efforts to protect and preserve Mt. Tamalpais and its watershed. Since 1912 the Tamalpais Conservation Club has served as the guardian of Mt. Tam. Generations of club members who appreciate the mountain for its scenic beauty have helped protect Mt. Tam.
October 5 ~ The History of the MMWD: A Century of Service and Stewardship. MMWD Director & author JACK GIBSON and MMWD Park Ranger MATT CERKEL presented an illustrated talk on the history of the Marin Municipal Water District and its Mount Tamalpais Watershed. The MMWD is the oldest Municipal Water district in California, founded in 1912, and has managed the majority of Mount Tamalpais since 1917.
November 2 ~ MODERN SAN RAFAEL: 1940 – 2000 begins where the Museum’s first volume, Early San Rafael left off. With dramatic changes after WW II, the gentle hills with roaming cattle gave way to housing developments and shopping centers. Author and librarian JOCELYN MOSS, and book contributor BRUCE SCHWARZE researched photos from the Marin History Museum’s collection to make this lively history available to a modern audience. Copies of their new book MODERN SAN RAFAEL,1940–2000 were available.