HISTORY FEST MUSEUMS & SHOPS
Custom House Museum
Daily 10:am—4:pm
Custom House Plaza
The oldest government building in California (dating to the 1820s), the Custom House exhibits the goods brought to California in the 1800s by trading sea captains. The Custom House appears today as if a ship has just left the harbor after offloading its 19th century cargo. Admission: Free.
Pacific House Museum
Daily 10:am—4:pm
(Thursday 10:30am—4:pm)
Custom House Plaza
Built in 1847, today this adobe, located near Fisherman’s Wharf, houses an exciting and interactive museum of Monterey History, giving a fascinating overview of Monterey’s most historic buildings. On the second floor, the Pacific House also houses the comprehensive collection of the Monterey Museum of the American Indian. Free.
Monterey Maritime & History Museum
Tues--Sun 10:am—5:pm
Custom House Plaza
This museum houses an in-depth collection of maritime artifacts, with a particular focus on Monterey’s shipping, whaling, and sardine industries. In the upstairs gallery you’ll find fine art by Monterey artists and the Jo Mora collection (Carmel’s famed cowboy artist). Admission: Free.
Monterey Museum of Art
Wed--Sat 11:am—5:pm
Sun 1:pm—4:pm
559 Pacific Street and
720 Via Mirada
This museum has two locations with a permanent collection devoted to California art, contemporary art, photography, and Asian art. The Museum presents national traveling exhibitions at the Via Mirada location. Your History Fest passport gives you free admission October 3-19. For a complete listing of programs and activities see www.montereyart.org
Colton Hall Museum
Daily 10:am—4:pm
570 Pacific Street
The historic site of California’s Constitutional Convention in 1849, Colton Hall returns you to the beginning of California’s statehood. Artifacts reflect the many ways that Colton Hall served the community, including serving as a school to some of Monterey’s earliest children. Admission: Free.
Presidio of Monterey Museum
Sunday 1:pm—4:pm
Monday 10:am—1:pm
Thurs—Sat 10:am—4:pm
Lower Presidio Historic Park
Cpl. Ewing Blvd, Bldg 113
Exhibits lead visitors through Monterey’s history of military development, from the indigenous period through the Spanish and Mexican periods, to the present day.
Admission: Free.
California History Room
Monterey Public Library
625 Pacific Street
The collections in the California History Room document early California and Monterey area history, and are available to the public and scholars for research. For information call: 646-3741 or visit: www.monterey.org/library
SHOPS
Cooper Museum Store
Daily 10:am—4:pm
Cooper-Molera Adobe
Alvarado at Munras Street
The Cooper Museum Store is a delightful shop selling books, toys, jewelry, décor, paper goods, crafts, soaps, and a host of other items reminiscent of early California.
Boston Store
Thur—Sun 11:am—3:pm
201 Olivier Street at Scott Street
Built in the 1840s by Joseph Boston, this building is also known as the “Casa del Oro” (House of Gold) since miners reportedly stored their gold on the premises in Mr. Boston’s safe. Today this gem of a shop sells items reminiscent of old California.
Picket Fence
Thur—Sun 11:am—3:pm
Olivier Street at Scott Street
A wide variety of garden merchandise, as well as floral and nature items, are available at this shop located just a few steps from the Boston Store.
Pacific House Museum Store
Daily 10:am—4:pm
(Thurs 10:30am—4:pm)
Custom House Plaza
Located in the entry annex of the Pacific House Museum, this store is a good source for general California History books for children and adults, and also has a good variety of California Native American resources.
Monterey Museum of Art Museum Store
Wed--Sat 11:am—5:pm
Sun 1:pm—4:pm
559 Pacific Street
Accessible with or without Museum admission, this store features books on California art, photography, and contemporary art. Fabulous jewlery by local artisans, hip design items for the home and a wide selection of children’s items make this a unique shopping experience.
Monterey Maritime & History Museum Store (operated by the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Tues--Sun 10:am—5:pm
5 Custom House Plaza
Shop for books, T-shirts, cards, as well as fun and interesting maritime items at this little shop near Fisherman’s Wharf.
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HISTORY FEST 2008 Calendar of Events
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This Calendar of Events is divided up into two categories:
One-Day History Fest Events
Recurring History Fest Events
For ease of use, within each category all events are listed in chronological order. Be sure to take a look at the Museums & Shops column as well so that you don't miss any of the wonderful History Fest venues!
History Fest is sponsored by Historic Monterey, a partnership between the City of Monterey, Monterey State Historic Park and Monterey History and Art Association, and is funded by a grant from the Rotary Club of Monterey and a gift from the Old Monterey Preservation Society. |
ONE-DAY HISTORY FEST EVENTS
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October 1, 6:30—9:pm
An Evening With The Three Historians
Monterey Maritime & History Museum
Custom House Plaza
Spend a lively evening with prominent historians Jim Conway, Dennis Copeland, and Tim Thomas as they answer your questions about Monterey’s history – the facts, legends, misconceptions, and outright scandals! Refreshments will be provided. Admission: Free.
October 3, 11:am
History Fest Kick-Off
Colton Hall lawn
570 Pacific Street
Join living history characters, local dignitaries, and history buffs of all ages in this event to kick-off History Fest, a celebration of Monterey’s rich history. This event will take place on the lawn in front of Colton Hall. Refreshments will be provided. Admission: Free.
October 4, 10:am—4:pm
Civil War Encampment
Lower Presidio Historic Park
Re-enactors occupy this realistic civil war encampment. Visit their encampment to meet them and see how civil war era soldiers lived and worked, set up camp, cooked meals, and attended to the details of their daily lives. Free.
October 4, 10:am—4:pm
Mexican-American War Encampment - 1st New York Legion
On the green – behind the Custom House
Custom House Plaza
Join the First New York Legion re-enactors at this encampment at the Custom House. It is 1847, and the Mexican-American War is in effect in Alta California. Meet the soldiers and hear their stories of travel and adventure in California. Free.
October 4, hourly 10:am—3:pm
Van Tours: Upper Presidio
Meet at Presidio of Monterey Museum
Cpl. Ewing Blvd, Lower Presidio
Van tours of the Upper Presidio (Defense Language Institute) guided by Presidio volunteers offer a rare chance to see the historic structures and sites which are normally closed to the public. Bring your current identification; tours are by van only and visitors will not be allowed to leave the vehicle during the tour. Space is limited so arrive early to ensure a seat. Info: Jim Conway 646-3991 conway@ci.monterey.ca.us
October 4, 11:am
Walking Tour:
Lower Presidio Historic Park
Meet at Presidio of Monterey Museum
Cpl. Ewing Blvd, Lower Presidio
Join Museum & Cultural Arts Manager Jim Conway on this walking tour of some of the most historic sites in Monterey. Learn about the Native Rumsien Peoples, the first Europeans, establishment of the presidio and the mission, and the 1st American fort on the West Coast. Free. For more information please call 646-3991 or e-mail: conway@ci.monterey.ca.us
October 4, 11:am—3:pm
Living History & Family Activities
Cooper-Molera Adobe
525 Polk Street
Experience rancho-era history with hands-on fun and family-oriented activities: Play 19th century games, spend time with vaqueros, watch a blacksmithing demonstration, churn butter, cook tortillas, make rope, listen to early stories, and so much more! Admission is free. Please call 649-7118 for more info or e-mail
jstur@parks.ca.gov
October 4, 1:pm—3:pm
Workshop: Preserving
Your Family Treasures
Community Room
Monterey Public Library
625 Pacific Street
Library Archivist and Historian Dennis Copeland will show you how to preserve, protect, and store your valuable documents, including photos, letters, diaries, journals and books. Bring your own family treasures and receive professional preservation advice. Admission is free but pre-registration is required. To register call 646-3949 or e-mail mccombs@ci.monterey.ca.us.
October 4, 1:pm—3:pm
Lecture and Book Signing: Geoffrey Dunn
Monterey Maritime & History Museum
5 Custom House Plaza
Meet author and historian Geoffrey Dunn and attend this lecture, slide presentation and signing related to Carmel’s literary colony. Dunn will be available to sign the recently published Noticias, which includes his work entitled “Deep-Sea Matrimony: George Sterling and the Abalone Song”. Noticias is a publication of the Monterey History & Art Association. Admission: Free
October 4, 7:pm—9:pm
Fandango!
Custom House
Custom House Plaza
You’re invited to dance and twirl with dancers in period dress, as musicians play 1840s music in the historic Custom House, recreating one of the many fandangos of bygone days. Admission is free but space is limited at the two seatings: 7:pm—7:45pm and 8:pm—8:45pm.
For reservations call: 646-5640.
October 5, 10:am—3:pm
Plein Air Paint-Out
Cooper Molera ▪ Colton Hall ▪ Stevenson House ▪ Custom House
Visit four of Monterey’s most historic sites to watch members of the Monterey Bay Plein Air Association capture their scenic beauty on canvas in oils and acrylics. Admission: Free.
October 5, 10:am—4:pm
Civil War Encampment
Lower Presidio Historic Park
Re-enactors occupy this realistic civil war encampment. Visit their encampment to meet them and see how civil war era soldiers lived and worked, set up camp, cooked meals, and attended to the details of their daily lives. Free.
October 5, 10:am—2:pm
Mexican-American War Encampment - 1st New York Legion
On the green – behind the Custom House
Custom House Plaza
Join the First New York Legion re-enactors at this encampment at the Custom House. It is 1847, and the Mexican-American War is in effect in Alta California. Meet the soldiers and hear their stories of travel and adventure in California. Free.
October 5, 1:pm—4:pm
Walking Tour:
Everything Abalone!
Meet in the lobby of the Monterey Maritime & History Museum
Join historian Tim Thomas for this fascinating lecture and walking tour, including a visit to the Monterey Abalone Company farm. For more information call: 372-2608
October 5, 5:pm—6:30pm
Plein Air Reception,
Art Show & Sale
Monterey Maritime & History Museum
5 Custom House Plaza
Join us for a wine and cheese reception and a chance to view and purchase the completed canvases from today’s Plein Air Paintout. Meet the talented artists who so deftly captured the beauty of Monterey’s historic gardens and buildings on canvas. Admission: Free.
October 8, 7:pm—8:30pm
Lecture: “Plein Air Painting on the Monterey Peninsula – Continuing the Legacy”
Monterey Maritime & History Museum
5 Custom House Plaza
Join Christine Crozier, president of the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters as she discusses the history of plein air painters in Monterey from the late 1800s to the present day. Admission: Free
October 9, 10:30am—12:pm
Curator’s Tour: Robert Louis Stevenson House
Stevenson House
530 Houston Street
Join curator Kris Quist in examining original manuscripts and letters of Robert Louis Stevenson. Part of Monterey State Historic Park’s collection, these artifacts will be on display during this special tour only. Admission: $5 donation suggested. Space is limited; Reservations required: 649-7109
October 10, 8:30am—3:pm
Conference: Royal Presidio Chapel Conservation Project
Royal Presidio Chapel (Old Hall)
500 Church Street
Preservation consultants, liturgical designers, and experts in the field of historical architecture will discuss the décor dating back to 1794 which was uncovered during the recent restoration of the Royal Presidio Chapel, California’s oldest stone building. These experts will also present the new interior décor plan. Seating is limited! Call 645-9138 for further information or e-mail cleiker@sancarloscathedral.org
October 11, 10:am—5:pm
Children’s Day at the Maritime Museum
Monterey Maritime & History Museum
5 Custom House Plaza
Children of all ages are invited to this very special event featuring music, games, pirates, knot-tying, story telling, walking tours, tattoos and a special treasure hunt. Pirate or other historic costumes encouraged! Admission: Free!
October 11, 1:pm—3:pm
Chinese Cultural Heritage
Golden State Theatre
417 Alvarado Street
Chinese cultural performers will offer a colorful picture through music and a “lion dance” of the heritage of the Chinese ethnic families that settled on the Monterey Peninsula as far back as 1851. Presented by the Monterey History & Art Association. Admission: $15. For more information call Martha 372-2608
October 12, 2:pm—3:pm
Constitutional Convention
Re-enactment
Colton Hall
570 Pacific Street
Step back in time as actors portray the events that occurred when California’s Constitution was drafted at Colton Hall in 1849. Afterward, enjoy refreshments on the lawn. Admission is free but space is limited in this historic setting. Reservations are required; call: 646-5640.
October 18, 11:am—4:pm
Open House:
El Encinal Cemetery 75th Anniversary Celebration
Cemetario El Encinal
Monterey’s beautiful cemetery is as much for the living as it is for our ancestors. Join us at the open house to share in light refreshments before wandering the paths, enjoying the birds and flowering plants, and appreciating Monterey’s rich history. You can even take a tour guided by a local historian. Enter the cemetery at either the Fremont Street or Pearl Street entrances and follow the signs to the office. Free.
October 18, 11:am, 12:pm, 1:pm, 2:pm
Walking Tour:
Historic Cemetery Tour
Cemetario El Encinal
Lake El Estero
Join local historians on a tour of Monterey’s historic cemetery. Hear the fascinating stories relating to some of the most interesting people in Monterey’s history – including prominent landowners, Cannery Row characters, Robert Louis Stevenson’s friend and benefactor, and Monterey’s early Mexican families, to name just a few. Enter the cemetery at either the Fremont Street or Pearl Street entrances, then follow the signs to the cemetery office. Wear comfortable shoes. Tour is 90 minutes.
October 19, 10:am—4:pm
House Tour:
Friends of the Monterey Public Library 5th Annual Historic House Tour
“Homes from the Past” is a self-guided tour of several of Monterey’s most interesting and beautiful homes representing a variety of architectural styles and tasteful interiors. This year’s tour will include a limited number of guests allowed to tour the Pacific Biological Laboratory -- the home and workplace of Ed “Doc” Ricketts, located on historic Cannery Row. Please note: not all sites on this tour are wheelchair accessible. Tickets available at the Library or by phone at 646-5601. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the tour. For more information visit: www.monterey.org/library.
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RECURRING HISTORY FEST EVENTS
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October 3, 10, 17 at 10:30 am
Walking Tour:
The Historic Gardens of Monterey
Meet at Boston Store
Scott & Olivier Streets
Accompany Historic Garden League docents on a delightful 90-minute walking tour of some of Monterey’s most beautiful historic gardens. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Fee: $5.
October 4, 6, 7, 8, 10 & 11 at 3:pm and October 5 & 12 at 12:pm
House Tour:
Cooper-Molera Adobe
Cooper-Molera Adobe
Corner of Alvarado, Munras & Polk Streets
This adobe home displays the wealth and elegance of Capt. John Rogers Cooper and his family, who owned this home for 140 years. Free admission; limited to 12 people. Sign up at the Cooper Store. 45 minute tour.
October 4, 11, 18, 1:pm—4:pm
Open House: Robert Louis Stevenson House
530 Houston Street
Monterey State Historic Park docents will be available to answer questions as you view the recently renovated first floor at your own pace. This house displays Stevenson artifacts as well as works by local artists. Free admission.
October 4, 5, 11 & 12 at 12:pm
October 6, 7, 8 & 10 at 11:30am
House Tour:
Casa Soberanes
Casa Soberanes
Corner of Pacific & Del Monte
This 1840s adobe, its furnishings, and its charming gardens reflect the transition period from Mexican-era California into the 20th century. Admission is limited to 12 people. Sign-up table at house. 45-minute tour.
October 4, 5, 7, 8, 11 & 12 at 2:pm
House Tour:
Larkin House
Corner of Pacific & Jefferson
Considered to be a prototype of the “Monterey colonial” style, and one of Monterey’s earliest two-story houses, this was the home of wealthy merchant Thomas Larkin. Free admission; limited to 12 people. Sign-up table in the garden. (Many stairs on this 45-minute tour.)
October 5 & 12 at 10:30am and October 6 & 10 at 2:pm
House Tour: Robert Louis Stevenson House
530 Houston Street
The recently renovated first floor features rare Stevenson artifacts and personal belongings, as well as works by local artists who frequented the building from the 1870s to the 1930s. 45-minute tour is free but limited to 16. Sign-up table at the house. Meet at Houston Street entrance.
October 6, 7, 8, 10 at 10:30am
Walking Tour:
California History
Meet in Pacific House Museum
Custom House Plaza
Visit the Custom House, First Brick House, Old Whaling Station and First Theatre – buildings which reflect the economic, cultural and political changes from 1821-1850. Admission: Free but limited to 18 people. Sign up at the Pacific House Museum counter. 45-minute tour.
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Stories of Old Monterey
Colton Hall
Living History
~ Photography: Kurt E. Saylor
Alta California Dancers
Cooper Molera-Adobe Gardens
~ Photography: California State Parks
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Copyright 2005-2008 Historic Monterey |
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