Amador Livermore Valley Historical Society Preserves Local Culture

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

Keeping in touch with our past can teach us a lot about our communities and ourselves. Pleasanton is fortunate to have an organization like the Amador Livermore Valley Historical Society to preserve local historical treasures and introduce them to young and old. In addition, the organization promotes educational and artistic exhibits and lectures.

The ALVHS was incorporated as a non-profit corporation in 1964 and, in addition to its other endeavors, operates the Museum On Main Street located at 603 Main Street, Pleasanton. The former town hall that houses the museum was built in 1914 with funds raised by the Pleasanton Women's Improvement Club. As the city offices moved to other buildings in town, the Museum found a new home in 1983 in the fully-renovated building.

Over 12,000 people visit the Museum On Main Street each year. It offers local and regional history exhibits, history lecture series, special events and parties, member events, community projects, walking tours, a photo and document archive, historical research, a history library, a museum shop, an art gallery, a student education program, volunteer programs, and a newsletter.

"A lot of exciting things are going on here," says Heather Rizzoli, director of the Museum On Main Street. "We have a gallery when you first come in that represents local artists from the community and rotates every quarter. We also have a lot of lectures. All of our lectures cost five dollars and go on for about an hour and a half." Upcoming lectures include Pleasanton architect and historian Charles Huff, who will speak about Phoebe Apperson Hearst. Huff's lecture will feature a talk by William Apperson, Pleasanton resident, museum board member, and grand- nephew of Phoebe Apperson Hearst. These lectures will accompany an exhibit of items from the Hearst collection. In November, Andrew Galvan, descendant of the Ohlone Indians, historian, and Native American Indian consultant, will speak about the Ohlone in the Tri-Valley.

Those interested in helping out at the Museum on Main Street are welcome, "We're always looking for volunteers," says Denise Howe, board president of the ALVHS. "There's a lot of activity here, which makes it a really enjoyable and rewarding experience." Interested parties can volunteer for educational programs, special events, and even sorting through acquisitions in the archives.

The Museum's hours are Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm, and Sunday, 1:00 - 4:00 pm. You can contact the Museum at (925) 462-2766 or via email at valleymuseum@sbcglobal.net. The Museum on Main Street will be closed the final two weeks of July and most likely into the first two weeks of September to accommodate a renovation effort undertaken by the city.

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