The Museum is open the first and third Sunday of each month (except for holidays) from 1:00-4:00 pm for a Progress Preview.
Entry is free while we continue to work on displays. Come and see a preview of Concord’s history.

Lovely Success: Spring/Mother’s Day Tea

As most of you know, the Concord Historical Society’s Spring/Mother’s Day Tea, which was held in the fully-restored historic Galindo Home May 9 – 11, was a sold out event. While you had to be there, you begin to understand why the five sittings were sold out through the accompanying photographs. The tables were lovely, the guests beautiful, the student and adult volunteers efficient and attentive, and the special scones, tea sandwiches and desserts were divine. For those lucky enough to attend on Mother’s Day, photographs of each table were turned into nice keepsakes of this special event.
At the request of CHS Director Emeritus Kay Massone, former board member Joan Reed lent her organizational skills, attention to detail and enthusiasm to orchestrate this marvelous event. Joan, together with co-chair Denise Brown, rallied the invaluable aid of CHS President Carol Longshore; Vivian Boyd, Linda Chambers, Joanne Fryer, Carole Kelsch, Gloria Lincoln and Barbara Strehlitz of the Society’s Events Committee; Evie Cunningham, Nancy Haramaki, Kathie Hieb, Jan Trolan and Dee Yount of the Galindo Home Committee; Barbara Hayworth; Galindo Home docents Isabel Hill and Eleanor Zuzan; and teachers and students of Mt. Diablo High School’s International Hospitality & Tourism Academy. Each deserves a big hug and sincere thanks! It was a success

The Concord Historical Society Spring/Mother’s Day Tea will be an annual event. For those of you who missed it and those who didn’t, be sure to plan on next time!!!

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Sister City 40th

Concord and Kitakami, Japan, have enjoyed sister city status for 40 years. Fifty representatives of Kitakami were hosted by the Concord Ambassadors (www.ConcordAmbassadors.org) recently and marked this anniversary with a mix of sharing culture and tradition, speeches, dining, and sightseeing–including a tour of the Galindo Home and Gardens.

Concord Historical Society members Carol Longshore (president), Vivian Boyd (1st vice president), and Barbara Hayworth attended the dinner held at Centre Concord on Thursday, October 2, 2014. Each enjoyed meeting our visitors from Kitakami.

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Carol Longshore
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Kitakami guest and Vivian Boyd

Progress Update (April 2015): Renovation Of The Former Masonic Temple

The renovation of the former Masonic Temple building is well on its way. The Concord Museum & Event Center is on its way. With the installation of its new foundation and roof, the basics were accomplished in 2014. In March 2015, the sewer line was hooked up. Some structural changes were made to the second floor and attic. In addition, the bathroom spaces were reconfigured while leaving the quaint ladies’ lounge intact. Because the building will be totally rewired and plumbed beginning this month, it made sense to remove the lath and plaster to facilitate this part of the project. This also will allow us to insulate all the walls and ceiling (the building was not originally insulated) and save on utility bills in the future. The rewiring will include audio visual needs for the stage and dance floor, and for the Resource Center computer and copying center. Although not a part of the building renovation, we also erected a replica of the Galindo family’s original well tank house behind the home; it will house our water well equipment and be used to store tables and chairs used in garden events.

The spring 2015 schedule includes the construction of our lighted parking lot and required street improvements. A rain water drainage system will be installed too. Next will be the installation of the building fire suppression system, painting the exterior and interior, refinishing the dance floor, and constructing the museum and Resource Center display and storage areas. All the windows will need refurbishing. A major sub-project is the construction of a two-story (plus basement) addition to the rear of the building. The basement will accommodate the elevator and include a storage area. The first floor will be used for a utility room and caterer’s kitchen. The second floor will include the museum office, Resource Center and another storage area.

Projected completion of all but the addition is in October 2016. All the work, including the addition, depend on raising the needed funds. To date, $478,967 has been expended. Currently, the Museum Fund has just $205,473 available for the remaining work. It is clear that our fundraising efforts must be intensified.

Grand time at Dinner-Auction

First Annual Concord Historical Society Capital Campaign Dinner-Auction Fundraiser ~

Great strides were made on Saturday, October 17, 2015, towards raising the next slug of money needed to finish transforming Concord’s former Masonic Temple into the Concord Museum and Event Center (CMEC) — and we had a fun, grand, memorable and exciting time doing so.

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Dessert auction winners

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Board member Martha shows off a raffle prize

A sincere “Thank You” to all the individuals and businesses who/which donated items for auction and prizes, the many who volunteered of their time to make the evening possible and — above all — the 161 people who attended. There even were some who, when unable to attend, still made generous campaign donations.

On-going support is required, not only for the CMEC work but also the general operations of the Galindo Home and Gardens and the Resource Center, where artifacts are stored and studied. It is easy to donate online.

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Quality auction items
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Cheerful supporters

Picture with Santa Claus

“Santa Claus is coming to town ...” and he will be visiting the Galindo Home.

And he did! A handful took this special opportunity to be photographed with Santa Clause at our beautifully decorated Galindo Home on December 5 and 6.

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Karen Mangini, Jan Trolan and Carol Longshore pose with Santa (Bill Hammer)

Worth Every Cent – New admission charge

Worth Every Cent

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As of February 1, 2016, visitors to the Galindo Home will be charged $3.00 each (children under 12, free). This lovingly restored cultural and historical Concord gem does represent an investment warranting the support of everyone.

The Galindo Home is open to the public from 1:00 to 4:00PM every Sunday. Docents will welcome you and tell you about the home’s rich history. If you wish to book a private tour, please contact Gloria Mattson at (925) 685-5658.

Maybe you are interested in visiting the Galindo Home from the inside out by volunteering as a docent at the home? Docents receive training, learn the history of the home and Galindo family and share their knowledge—and enthusiasm—with visitors. If this interests you, please contact Gloria Mattson at (925) 685-5658.

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Upstairs (east) bedroom

Stewardship of 2015 Dollars Contributed to CHS

Tour the CMEC

WALK THROUGH THE CONCORD MUSEUM AND EVENT CENTER (CMEC)

The Concord community was invited to see firsthand the construction progress and to marvel at the beauty of Concord’s classic 1928 meeting hall and cultural center. The Concord Historical Society is very proud of its ongoing restoration of this marvelous and unique structure, the Concord Museum and Event Center. The docent led walkthroughs on June 11, August 14 and October 15 were well attended. Progress continues. Your support is welcome–and essential. Catch the enthusiasm!

Make donations for the 2nd Annual Dinner-Auction fundraiser for the CMEC

Attend the Dinner-Auction

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CMEC 1st floor – event center

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John Pereira, Concord Rotary

Thanks, Concord Rotary and Concord Disposal Service!

Concord Rotary and Concord Disposal Service Invest in Concord’s History – April 2016

Members of Concord Rotary recently cleared brush and trees to make ready for a paved and landscaped parking lot that will serve visitors to the Galindo Home and Gardens and the future Concord Museum and Event Center (CMEC). Concord Disposal Service hauled the debris away as its contribution to this investment in Concord’s history.

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Before and After

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John Pereira, Concord Rotary

The Concord Historical Society thanks both Concord Rotary and Concord Disposal Service. Support like theirs is invaluable as the Society works to preserve and present Concord’s history.

Would you like to invest as well? Contact the Concord Historical Society.

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Team Concord Rotary

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Alan Hermans, Concord Rotary

[Apologies to Concord Rotary for the misidentification that occurred when this posting first went “live.”]

Mayor’s golf tournament benefits Concord Historical Society

Golf tournament beneficiaries

Mayor Laura Hoffmeister presented the Concord Historical Society with a check for $6,554.91 at the Concord City Council meeting of July 5, 2016. The Society was one of three community groups selected to share in the proceeds raised by the 32nd Annual Mayor’s Cup Golf Tournament held on May 6.

Society president Carol Longshore received this gift with much gratitude as did those representing the other beneficiaries, Concord Junior Giants and First Tee Contra Costa Youth Golf Program.

Thank you Mayor Hoffmeister, City of Concord, and tournament participants, volunteers and sponsors!

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CHS board members Jill Endicott, Vivian Boyd, Carol Longshore and Chuck Gabrysiak with Mayor Laura Hoffmeister