Thursday, October 16, 2008

Pasadena Museum of History to offer cool events

Pasadena Museum of History
470 W. Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91103; Free Parking.
Information/Reservations: 626.577.1660, ext. 10, or at www.pasadenahistory.org.


Saturday and Sunday, November 1 and 2, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm at Mountain View Cemetery, 2400 Fair Oaks Ave., Altadena

A WALK THROUGH TIME – SHADOWS OF BLUE AND GRAY: CALIFORNIA STORIES OF THE CIVIL WAR

Don’t miss the fourth annual presentation of “living histories” at the Mountain View Cemetery. Hear the accounts of five fascinating individuals whose lives were profoundly affected by the Civil War: the innovative inventor and balloonist, Thaddeus Lowe; the Confederate General’s widow, Eliza Griffin Johnston; the war hero, Thomas Foulds Ellsworth; the abolitionist daughter, Ruth Brown Thompson; and the freed slave turned successful business woman, Biddy Mason. Buy your tickets soon. Last year’s show was sold out!

Tickets: $20 Museum Members; $25 Non-Members. Reservations required; limited seating – purchase tickets by phone or online at www.pasadenahistory.org.


Thursday, November 6, 7:30 pm

LECTURE AND BOOKSIGNING WITH DOUGLAS MUDGEWAY: WILLIAM H. PICKERING: PASADENA’S WORLD FAMOUS SPACE AGE PIONEER

The story of Explorer 1 and William H. Pickering’s part in it has been widely reported in the past, particularly on this the 50th anniversary of that momentous event. But what came before, and what eventually happened to him after his retirement from JPL is not generally known. This enigmatic man is the subject of Douglas Mudgway’s new book, “William H. Pickering: America’s Deep Space Pioneer.” Following his talk, the author will be joined by Larry Dumas, former Deputy Director of JPL, to give us a unique glimpse into the life and times of JPL’s famous Director.

Tickets: $10 Museum Members; $15 Non-Members. Reservations suggested – 626 – 577-1660, ext. 10.



Fridays, November 7, 14 & 21, 12:15 pm

A CRAFTSMAN AFTERNOON: TOUR and TEA

Join trained docents for an exploration of two exhibitions featuring Arts and Crafts design: Living Beautifully: Greene and Greene in Pasadena and The Art and Craft of Textile Design, 1860-1920. Complete your Craftsman Afternoon with an optional special tea at The Raymond Restaurant, originally the caretaker’s cottage of the famed Raymond Hotel. Advanced reservations & tour payment required.

Tickets – Tour: $4 Museum and Textile Arts Members; $8 Non-Members; Tea: $25 (payable at restaurant). Reservations: 626-577-1660, ext. 15.



Friday, November 14, 7:30 pm, at the Neighborhood Church, 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena

GREENE & GREENE: THE SPIRIT OF CALIFORNIA, A LINK TO MODERNISM

Charles and Henry Greene arrived in Pasadena in 1893, when Southern California’s Mediterranean climate, lushly planted gardens, and spectacular topography were published to the world as the new Eden. In response to their new home, the brothers developed an architecture of refined artistry and astonishing craftsmanship that celebrated the exotic nature of California as a place at the fringe of the nation, facing Asia. Bruce Smith will reveal the surprising sources of California’s influence on the Greenes.

We think of the Greenes as unapologetically anti-modern, but when their work was “re-discovered” in the 1940s by architects Whitney Smith, Harwell Harris and Calvin Straub, it was because these young modernists recognized designs from the past that served contemporary California life. Edward Bosley will discuss how post-war architects in the region revived ideas that the Greenes had employed decades before, even as European modernists dominated popular taste in New York and elsewhere. Sponsored in part by Guardian Stewardship.
Tickets: $15 Friends of The Gamble House and Museum Members; $20 Non-Members. Reservations suggested – 626-577-1660, ext. 10.



Tuesday, November 18, 7:30 pm, location to be announced

UNCOVERING PASADENA – CHARACTER, PLOT, LOCATION . . .

What does location have to do with a writer’s development? We will explore the work of local writers from different communities in a panel discussion that asks – How does where you live affect what you write? And, how does what you write affect where you live? Does your ethnicity play a role? Announced panelists to date are Pasadena writer Naomi Hirahara, the Edgar Award winning creator of the Mas Arai mystery series, and Gayle Davis-Culp, professor of African-American literature at Santa Monica College and long-time fiend of the recently deceased African-American writer and Pasadena native Octavia Butler. The panel will be moderated by Pasadena City Library Director Jan Sanders.

Tickets: $15 Museum and Friends of the Pasadena Library Members; $20 Non-Members, $10 Students with ID. Reservations suggested – 626-577-1660, ext. 10.

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