On August 24, 2010 Caltrans, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA) and other project partners marked an historic moment for the Caldecott Fourth Bore Project. Standing next to a monolithic custom-designed, electric-powered road header, dignitaries gathered at the tunnel’s eastern portal in Orinda to mark the beginning of a project that had been years in […]
Thank You For Participating In The Treasure Hunt
The Lafayette Historical Society would like to thank all those who participated in our recent treasure hunt. We are in touch with those who won. The questions and answers that were used in the treasure hunt have been included below. We hope everyone had a good time, regardless of whether they won or not. Please leave any […]
CALLING ALL HISTORY DETECTIVES! — A Treasure Hunt in Lafayette
The Lafayette Historical Society is sponsoring a Downtown Lafayette History Treasure Hunt on the weekend of June 15-16, 2013. Discover how much you know about Downtown Lafayette’s history (or you can learn more) by participating in this fun family-friendly Father’s Day Weekend outing! Here’s how it will work: At 5 pm Friday, June 14, clues and instructions will […]
Potluck 2013
On May 16th, the Lafayette Historical Society held it’s annual potluck. If you weren’t there, here’s what you missed.
Please Join us for our Annual Meeting, Potluck and Historical Presentation
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be in the largest earthquake unleashed by the Hayward Fault? Richard Schwartz will offer first-hand accounts of people who lived through the October 21, 1868 Hayward Fault Earthquake. Their stories are riveting. Mr. Schwartz will show many photos and illustrations to accompany his presentation of […]
February 13, 2013 — The History of Diablo State Park (Speaker Series)
Dr. Gallagher will speak to us about the history of one of the most remarkable landmarks in our region. Mount Diablo is an isolated peak of 3,864 feet (1,178 m), visible from most of the San Francisco Bay Area and much of northern California. Mount Diablo appears to be a double pyramid. North Peak […]
December 2, 2012 — National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day Event (Speaker Series)
In honor of National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, the Lafayette Historical Society will be hosting two speakers who will discuss the causes and effects of Pearl Harbor on December 2nd at 1 pm in the Community Hall. Pearl Harbor Day, celebrated on December 7th, honors those who served and gave their lives on the day […]
December 2, 2012 — “How Could it be Pearl?” The Japanese Surprise Attack – December 7, 1941 (Speaker Series)
Americans were stunned by the attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941; but why were our national leaders so shocked despite the fact that they received so many clues that indicated that an attack could occur at any time? Wayne Korsinen taught the lessons of Pearl Harbor at Antioch High School for more than 30 years. […]
July 18, 2012 — Special Presentation in the Library & Learning Center
Mr. Drew’s talk will trace the history of one of America’s richest short line railroads which operated between Reno, Carson City, and the Nevada Comstock Lode at Virginia City. After 80 years of operation, the last train ran on May 31, 1950. But in 1976, Orinda resident Robert C. Gray began bringing the Bonanza Railroad “back to life!” A well regarded railroad historian, Stephen Drew recently retired […]
July 18, 2012 — Historical Railroad Expert Stephen Drew (Speaker Series)
Mr. Drew will trace the history of one of America’s richest short line railroads which operated between Reno, Carson City, and the Nevada Comstock Lode at Virginia City. After 80 years of operation, the last train ran on May 31, 1950. But in 1976, Orinda resident Robert C. Gray began bringing the Bonanza Railroad “back […]