Art Deco Society of California [CA]

Description

The Art Deco Society of California (ADSC) is dedicated to honoring the aesthetic and architectural achievements of the first half of the 20th century, especially the decades of the 1920's, 30's and 40's that is now known as the Art Deco period. The ADSC was founded in 1981 by an architectural historian in the San Francisco Bay Area and is a member of the International Coalition of Art Deco Societies. The ADSC "endeavors to increase public awareness of the Art Deco era, to preserve and promote its art, architecture, music, fashions, transportation, and other forms of its popular culture." The ADSC researches and documents buildings and other artifacts worthy of preservation and also awards certificates of merit for noteworthy preservation and restoration efforts in California.

The site offers a calendar of events, a listing of notable Art Deco structures in the San Francisco Bay Area, past ADSC award winners, photo galleries for all past events held by the ADSC, and an archive of all issues of the ADSC magazine, "The Sophisticate," which are available for purchase.

Ardenwood Historic Farm [CA]

Description

Ardenwood Historic Farm is the historic home of George Washington Patterson. Patterson came west in 1849 during the gold rush to seek his fortune; instead he settled at Ardenwood Farm in southern Alameda County. The Historic Farm is faithfully restored and features agricultural practices from the 1870s to the present, demonstrating the transition from horse-powered equipment to modern farming equipment. There are more attractions than just the house, however. The park also features a horse-drawn train, victorian garden, animal farms, and a restored blacksmith shop.

The site offers general information about the park for visitors, a calendar of events, a trail map, and information regarding field trips for educators.

Santa Monica Conservancy

Description

Santa Monica is one of California's most architecturally, culturally, and historically significant communities. The Conservancy was started in August 2002 by a group of residents who wanted to celebrate and protect our Santa Monica's historic treasures. Many of the founders had recently come together to successfully defeat an anti-Landmarks ballot measure that threatened to eviscerate Santa Monica's preservation ordinance. Through educational programs, assistance and advocacy, the Conservancy reinforces the importance of preserving the historic resources of Santa Monica's unique urban landscape.

The site offers information on current projects and upcoming events.

Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation [CA]

Description

Located in San Francisco Bay, the U.S. Immigration Station at Angel Island served as a processing and detainment center for hundreds of thousands of immigrants and emigrants between 1910 and 1940. The Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation (AIISF) was founded in 1983 with the mission of continuing the preservation and educational efforts regarding Angel Island. Currently, AIISF raises funds to restore, preserve, and interpret the Angel Island Immigration Station. AIISF has recently launched the Angel Island Legacies Project, which trains oral historians and conducts interviews of detainees and descendants of all nationalities.

The site offers information about the AIISF, including FAQs and a history of the organization. In addition, the site offers resources for educators, including a curriculum guide, book recommendations, and helpful links; past media, including press and an archive of the "Passages" newsletter; and a brief historical section that covers the history of Angel Island.

Pacific Coast Air Museum

Description

Founded in 1989, the Pacific Coast Air Museum (PCAM) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the acquisition, restoration, safe operation and display of historical aircraft and provides an educational venue for students and the community. The Pacific Coast Air Museum also focuses on honoring aviators, past and present, who have contributed to the defense of our way of life.

The site offers exhibit previews, shopping, and information about events and airshows at the museum.

Eureka Heritage Society and Romano Gabriel Garden [CA]

Description

The Eureka Heritage Society provides leadership, education, and advocacy to preserve and enhance Eureka's irreplaceable historic structures and neighborhoods so as to ensure a legacy for future generations. It maintains the Romano Gabriel Garden, fashioned from discarded crates and boards by Romano Gabriel, a carpenter turned sculptor. The garden has been "transplanted" and is now housed in a glass exhibit area for viewing.

The society offers occasional recreational and educational events; the garden is open to the public as a viewable exhibit.

Woodland Opera House State Historic Park [CA]

Description

Built in 1885, the original Opera House burned down in the 1892 fire that destroyed much of downtown Woodland. It was rebuilt on the same site, using some of the remaining foundations and bricks from the walls, reopening in 1896. Today, the interior of the Opera House has been painstakingly restored to the grandeur it enjoyed at the turn if the century. Careful attention was paid to reproduction of the wallpaper friezes, paint colors, and carpeting. The main floor carpet was manufactured in England and shipped to the Opera House for installation. Comfortable main floor theater seating was built on the East Coast for installation and the historic pew-like benches in the balcony area were repaired or carefully replaced.

A second, individual website for the Opera House can be found here.

The park offers tours and year-round performances, productions, classes, and workshops.

California Museum for History, Women, and the Arts

Description

The California Museum for History, Women, and the Arts preserves, presents, and creates California history. The Museum brings the state's rich and diverse history alive through the extraordinary collection of the California State Archives and other collections throughout the state. For the first time, California's women have a home for their stories in a museum about California history. The California Museum also promotes the state's artistic and cultural heritage. Here visitors will find an active, engaging center that serves as a bridge from the past to the future.

The site offers exhibits, tours, educational programs, and occasional educational and recreational events.