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.

Tesoro’s Centennial Includes $5,000 Gift to Concord Historical Society

Golden Eagle Refinery Centennial Includes $5,000 Gift to Concord Historical Society

Tesoro’s Golden Eagle Refinery marked its 100th anniversary with a festive, carnival-like celebration on September 14, 2013, under the slogan “100 Year Celebration: A Century of Progress.” What began in 1913 as Associated Oil Company’s Avon Refinery now produces enough gasoline in just one day to fuel a car to the sun.

As hundreds of past (“alumni”) and present employees and their families enjoyed a hearty catered lunch, Tesoro officials and civic dignitaries offered words of gratitude and congratulations on this landmark anniversary. In the midst of this the Concord Historical Society was singled out for a most generous gift of $5,000. It was received by the Society’s president, Carol Longshore, with her bright smile and words of gratitude.

The Concord Historical Society congratulates Tesoro on the 100th anniversary of its Golden Eagle Refinery and thanks it for its part in helping the Society preserve and present our city’s and region’s history.

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The Tesoro Museum was a marvelous collection and presentation of history and operations.
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Autumn at the Adobe: A hit!

This year’s Autumn at the Adobe on October 6, 2013, was the best yet!

The historic Salvio Pacheco Adobe was beautiful, the wine excellent and the guests enthusiastic. The Committee chaired by Judy Trette and our host Sister Mary Grace outdid themselves with the decorations and food. We raised just under $5,000 for the Society’s building fund. Our thanks go to our sponsors: Bogle Winery, Sebastiani Winery and Honorary Board member Richard Cuneo, Concannon Winery, Peju Winery, E.J. Phair Brewery and Dolan Lumber.

The 2013-2014 Masonic Temple Restoration Fund Drive was announced. The Society has received a pledge from a private trust to match all restoration donations over $50, up to a total of $200,000. As of this event $3,500 in donations towards this special Restoration Fund Drive had been received and will be matched. Donations continue to be accepted through spring 2014.

Don’t miss next October’s Autumn at the Adobe, which will feature good wines, food, and friends and a special wine tasting of a $100 award-winning wine.

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Eugene Dolan of Dolan’s Lumber with CHS Board Member John Keibel
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Members and friends of the Concord Historical Society enjoying the afternoon and looking forward to next year’s Autumn at the Adobe

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Evelyn Cunningham and Linda Chambers welcome to you to the 2013 Autumn at the Adobe
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CHS Board Members Lloyd Crenna and Judy Trette and CHS President CarolLongshore announcing a $2000 gift to the Masonic Temple Restoration Fund

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

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“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