Cambria museum’s speaker series blossoms in spring

On a brief but memorable tour of western and southern Ireland last month, I was impressed by all the little villages my daughter Kathy and I drove through and stayed in. In times past, someone raised awareness of pride in heritage and originated the “Tidy Towns” Award, for those who perked up the previous reputation for centuries of being dull gray and dreary. Now the places justifiably post their signage proudly for “Tidy Town: Year 2015” or such.

Cambria should be sporting such signage during our sesquicentennial celebration for our 150th anniversary, and businesses can order banners through the Cambria Chamber of Commerce or fliers to post from the Cambria Historical Society, 927-4816.

The Historical Society has scheduled myriad programs almost monthly.

▪  On April 7, Don Canestro will speak in the Historical Museum’s parlor about the research done on the California Ken Norris Rancho Marino Reserve, along the bluffs below Camp Ocean Pines. He will focus on the ranch’s history and ecology, from historic peoples to its current use facilitating university-level research and education.

The event is a free perquisite for CHS members, but the public is warmly invited to this and all installments in our speakers series for a $10 fee, applicable to a year’s membership, with the evening beginning with beverages and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30. Space is limited, so reservations are necessary; call Chairman Penny Church at 927-1442.

▪  Save the date also for the April 21 “Conversation with Sigrid Helgesen, the First Female Doctor in San Luis County” as portrayed by Donna Crocker, speaking in character and costume as the doctor.

▪  On Thursday, May 5, plan on coming for “The Life and Times of John FitzRandolph: What a Fascinating Trip It’s Been!” Reservations fill up fast … so call now.

▪  In the interest of preservation, Beautify Cambria, which was responsible for the 28 trash/receptacle planters being successfully used about East and West Village, will be in our Cambria Historical Heirloom Gardens at Center Street and Burton Drive, hosting the Bee Faire on Sunday, May 1, from noon to 4 p.m. Admission to peruse the booths is free. Call Claudia Worthen at 927-1934 for details.

▪  That same weekend, on Saturday, April 30, Greenspace will open its preserve for a “Save the Trees” benefit from 1 to 4 p.m. $10 admission, with children admitted free, includes concert, artwork and displays. Bring a picnic lunch, and be sure to check out the historic red structure, which is not usually open.

Greenspace and the Historical Society saved both our Heritage Sites back in the early 2000s, and we are pleased to partner with them. Information: 927-2866.

▪  Now is the time to contact John Ehlers at 927-3065 to participate in the annual Heritage Day festivities May 28 at the museum. Reserve a booth or space to display your skills and handicrafts, especially all things old-fashioned; and plan to bring family and friends on Saturday, May 28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The weekend will kick off with a special evening of little-known facts and tales shared by rancher/historian Dawn Dunlap at 5 p.m. Friday, May 27. The $10 benefit includes refreshments and the fascinating “stuff” that doesn’t usually make it into the history books. Take pride in Cambria’s 150-year heritage — it is worth celebrating!

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 10:34 AM with the headline "Cambria museum’s speaker series blossoms in spring."