Making the Macintosh: Technology and Culture in Silicon Valley

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Image, Apple II Reference Manual, 1978, Making the Macintosh
Annotation

The history of the Macintosh computer is presented on this website. Rather than profile Apple Computer's leader, Steve Jobs, and well-publicized software and hardware developers, materials include 13 interviews with designers, technical writers, Apple employees, a Berkeley user group organizer, and a San Francisco journalist who covered early developments.

In addition, nearly 90 documents from the late 1970s to the present chart company and user group developments, beginning with roots in the 1960s counterculture philosophy. Documents include "From Satori to Silicon Valley," a lecture by Theodore Roszak first delivered in 1985 with afterthoughts added in 2000. There are 13 texts by the first Mac designer, Jef Raskin, press releases and other marketing materials, and texts relating to user groups.

More than 100 images include patent drawings and product photographs.

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Western States
Major League Baseball in San Francisco Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 04/13/2009 - 16:08
Description

In this podcast, Richard Miller describes the first major league baseball game on the West Coast, on April 15, 1958, when the Giants played the Dodgers.

A Library for California

Description

This lecture follows the history of the Bancroft Library, the leading research library for California and Western American history. It details Hubert Howe Bancroft's collection of historical materials, starting in 1859; continues with Bancroft's sale of the collection to the University of California in 1905; and then follows the library's development and leadership to 2005.

To listen to this lecture, scroll down to "A Library for California," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

Kick Out the Southern Pacific

Description

This lecture explores Hiram Johnson's 1910 campaign for California governor and the reforms he instituted while in office. Johnson (1866–1945)'s work was praised by Theodore Roosevelt, and he would later serve as a senator.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to "Kick Out the Southern Pacific," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

An Entrepreneurial Genius: Henry J. Kaiser Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 01/04/2008 - 14:03
Description

This lecture follows the career of Henry J. Kaiser (1882–1967), California industrialist, who took part in major Western construction projects, built ships during World War II, produced automobiles following the war, and later founded the HMO Kaiser Permanente.

To listen to this lecture scroll down to "An Entrepreneurial Genius: Henry J. Kaiser," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

California's Greatest Thirst: A Glance at the Contentious History of California's Water Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 01/04/2008 - 14:03
Description

This lecture follows the history of California's development and use of its water resources; and describes major construction projects, from 1908 to 1960.

To listen to this lecture, scroll down to "California's Greatest Thirst: A Glance at the Contentious History of California's Water," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

Heaven on the Half-Shell: Mark Twain in California Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 01/04/2008 - 14:03
Description

This lecture chronicles Samuel Clemens's travels to Nevada and California from his home state of Mississippi, beginning in 1861. At this time, Clemens was an out-of-work river pilot; the lecture follows his development into the famous writer he would become and includes readings from fragments of his writing recovered from Civil-War-era journals and newspapers.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to "Heaven on the Half-Shell: Mark Twain in California," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

Like America Only More So: The Origins and Power of California's Image

Description

This lecture provides a narrative account of the rapid migration to and development of California during the Gold Rush years, from 1849 through 1884. It describes the wild scramble for profit, exploitation of resources, and relative lawlessness during the early years, while also emphasizing the role of farmers in the Gold Rush—first as supporters of the miners, and then in conflict with the miners.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to "Like America Only More So: The Origins and Power of California's Image," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

The California Mission as Symbol and Myth

Description

An overview of the history of Catholic missions in California, from their establishment during imperial Spain's colonization of the region through the push for their restoration and preservation in the 1800s. The presentation places an emphasis on the changing role and popular perceptions of the missions and on their effects on Native American populations.

To listen to this lecture, scroll to "The California Mission as Symbol and Myth," and select "Listen to Broadcast."

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