Speaker Series

From the time ancient Aristotle and his student Alexander the Great began the first great museum in the Western World, "experiences" have been the basis for the museum tradition. You may be pleased that the Museum of the San Fernando Valley views active encounters with history as our primary focus. For this reason. the Museum Community began our walking tours in historic places two years ago, are building bus-tour adventures and proudly announce the inauguration of our very special Speakers Series in Special Places this season.

As you read this, the Museum's Speaker Series Committee is busy searching for exciting guests who will offer the residents of the San Fernando Valley and beyond, fascinating insights into history and the rich culture of our communities. Noted historians, experts, and educators will present their knowledge in often un-explored locations throughout the Valley, and occasionally beyond.

Come to this location regularly to learn about our next speakers and the locations at which they will be speaking.

Do you have a friend or acquaintance who has special knowledge about the arts, a unique area of Valley history, or who participated in an event that has impacted our lives? Perhaps you have written a book, or have a collection that people would like to learn about? Contact Your Museum today and become part of this exciting series.

2013 Speaker Series - Event Calendar

Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on The Museum Speaker Series.

Past Speaker Events - 2012 - Summer through Fall

 Westfield Fashion Square and The Museum presented "Taste of History" from June through October 2012

Featured Speaker: Dee Lewis, L.A. World Airports

Dee Lewis provided a fascinating history of Van Nuys Airport. She showed a video that brought smiles and tears to the audience.

August 30, 2012 - History of Horses in the West Valley and Western Films at Iverson Ranch

Featured Speaker: Jerry England

Jerry England presented a fascinating history on the early days horses in the Valley to a review of Western films at Iverson Ranch in the Santa Susana Mountain area.

A film was shown and he discussed the background on his two books. Visitors were amazed on what the western valley looked like, the who’s who of stars that acted in western films and how horses were such a big part of the valley back then… and today.

As a Western movie historian, Jerry has researched and collected memorabilia associated with Santa Susana Mountain movie location ranches for the past decade; and after making a guest appearance on a ReelzChannel Dailies program titled Hollywood Was Here - The Iverson Movie Ranch, he decided to share his research and knowledge by writing Reel Cowboys of the Santa Susanas and "Rendezvous at Boulder Pass -- Hollywood's Fantasyland"

Jerry also came from a family whose pioneer heritage can be back-trailed for over twelve generations across the forests and prairies of America. Learn more about Jerry England at www.cowboyup.com.

July 26, 2012 - History of Campo de Cahuenga

Richard Bogy, board member provided a truly fascinating history of the Campo de Cahuenga as well as many side stories. 

• Did you know Universal/Studio City/North Hollywood is home to one of, if not, the top 10 most historically significant places in the U.S.
• Do you know where American was able to lay claim that it stretched from “Sea to Shining Sea?”
• How many time have you driven by the historical place across the street of Universal Studios and right next to the Universal City Metro Station? (It's time to visit Campo de Cahuenga!)

Campo de Cahuenga At the site of an abandoned adobe ranch-house, Lieutenant Colonel John C. Frémont signed a treaty, generally termed the "Capitulation of Cahuenga," with General Andres Pico of Mexico. This was a significant treaty that led indirectly to California's statehood in 1850 by ending rival hostilities in California for the duration of the Mexican War.

June 28, 2012 - Kick-off event for Taste of History - History of restaurants and food

Presenter: Tommy Gelinas, Founder & Curator of Valley Relics. 

A fantastic crowd of over 100 people packed Westfield's Dining Terrace area to remember all of the fun restaurants that made up the valley over the last 50 years or so!

March 24, 2012, "Pacific Electric and the Growth of the San Fernando Valley."

Presented by author David Coscia. A crowd of transportation enthusiasts enjoyed the afternoon learning and re-living the days of the Pacific Electric.

March 31, 2012, "Native Beginnings,"

Presented by Willard Simms, Chair, Performing Arts and Education Committees

"Native Beginnings," - David Guerra recreated Native American mythology in “Native Beginnings.” Attendees, both adults and children engaged in centuries old mythology and the creation of many of the animals that inhabited the San Fernando Valley back before it was part of the United States. 

April 7 2012, Bronwyn Ralph, author of “Off the Beaten Path,”

The perfect book to have as you explore all the hidden historical treasures here in the San Fernando Valley. There was a presentation, meet & greet and book signing.

April 14, 2012, Lecture, with Joe Van Wolf, son of Henry Van Wolf, sculptor

Joe Van Wolf, son of Henry Van Wolf, sculptor, lectured on "THE INSPIRATIONS OF HENRY VAN WOLF."   He discussed his father's life, creation of The Fernando and background on many of the works in The Museum's space and inspiration.

 April 21, 2012, Rob Friedman, Lecture, on Getty Museum Architecture

 

For more information about The Museum speaker series or to RSVP, please register at events@themuseumsfv.org or contact The Museum at (818) 347-9665.   

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If you would like to make a suggested donation for an upcoming Museum Speaker’s Series event, please click the Donate button. You may make a donation from a PayPal account or with a credit card.

Thank you!

21031 Ventura Blvd., Suite 419
Woodland Hills, CA 91364-2230

To RSVP by phone for an upcoming speaker series event, please contact us at (818) 347-9665 and leave your name, email, phone number and how many attendees or email at events@theMuseumSFV.org.

For additional speaker series information, please contact Kristine Keller, Speaker Series, the Museum of the San Fernando Valley at (818) 347-9665 PST, email info@theMuseumSFV.org or visit Contact page.

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