Lafayette Historical Society

Lafayette, California

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December 2, 2012 — “How Could it be Pearl?” The Japanese Surprise Attack – December 7, 1941 (Speaker Series)

October 24, 2012 Leave a Comment

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. […]

Filed Under: 2012, Events

July 18, 2012 — Special Presentation in the Library & Learning Center

July 6, 2012 Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: 2012, Events, Newsletter

July 18, 2012 — Historical Railroad Expert Stephen Drew (Speaker Series)

June 5, 2012 Leave a Comment

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 […]

Filed Under: 2012, Events

LHS Annual Potluck Dinner — Imagining History’s Lost Voices: the Women of the Gold Rush

April 27, 2012 Leave a Comment

“In the small settlement of the Motherlode, a group of disparate characters have set up a community, held together by the formidable Emaline, hostess of the Wayside Inn. It is there that Alex, on the run from something and disguised as a teenage boy, finds refuge. But once she strikes gold, buried secrets are revealed […]

Filed Under: 2012, Events

Downtown Lafayette – Then & Now (Speaker Series and Walking Tour)

February 29, 2012 Leave a Comment

Two events for Lafayette Historical Society Supporters in April! Are you smarter then a third grader? Now is the time to find out! And if you are not, you will be at the end of this exceptional pair of informative and fun events from the Lafayette Historical Society in April. Mark your calendars now and […]

Filed Under: 2012, Events

February Speaker Series Information

January 24, 2012 1 Comment

Filed Under: 2012, Events

Meet the Marquis

December 27, 2011 1 Comment

Mark your calendar! Our popular Speaker Series will continue on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 when we present “Meet the Marquis: Who was La Fayette and why are we named after him?” presented by Gilbert Sonet, Lafayette resident and La Fayette research expert. Details in January.

Filed Under: 2012, Events

Lafayette Cemetery Talk and Tour

October 13, 2011 Leave a Comment

Who’s Who in the Lafayette Cemetery!  Join us at one or both of our October events and find out! Lafayette’s Cemetery has been a landmark for many years. Henrietta Hodges died of tuberculosis in 1854 when she was only 13 years old. Unfortunately, there was no cemetery to properly bury young Henrietta.  Medford Gorham permitted […]

Filed Under: 2011, Events

Town Hall Theatre Tour July 2011

July 26, 2011 Leave a Comment

Clive Worsely, Artistic Director of Town Hall Theatre took almost 40 attendees on an exclusive tour of Town Hall Theatre on July 21.  Visitors learned much of the history as well as current productions and the education that happens in the historic building.  We toured behind the scenes and the dressing room.  Refreshments were enjoyed […]

Filed Under: 2011, Events

Exclusive Tour of Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre

July 2, 2011 Leave a Comment

Take a Back Stage Tour of Lafayette’s Unknown Gem Julie Sullivan, Author Artistic Director Clive Worsley calls Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre, which has stood at 3535 School Street since 1914, an unknown gem because many Lamorinda residents aren’t aware it exists.  On Thursday, July 21, from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Lafayette Historical Society is providing […]

Filed Under: 2011, Events

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Location and Hours

History Room
open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Lafayette Library
& Learning Center,
enter on Golden Gate Way
925-385-2297


Mailing Address: PO Box 133 Lafayette, CA 94549

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Your Memories Tell The Story of Lafayette

Memories of living and working in Lafayette are precious. Let us help you share those memories with others who value the town’s history. Call the Lafayette Historical Society’s Oral History line to set up a brief oral history phone interview with one of our friendly volunteers. Together, we can preserve the vibrant narrative of our town for generations to come.


Call 925-297-5397

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Recent Posts

  • Oral History: Marty Brinckerhoff — August, 2024
  • Oral History: Kim Conti Clutts — August 7, 2024
  • Oral History: John D. (Johnny) Marchant — March 23, 2025
  • In Case You Missed It…You Can Now Watch Our Program On Prohibition In Lamorinda
  • Speaker Series: Prohibition in Lamorinda: Temperance leaders, law enforcement, and the saloons, resorts, moonshiners, and blind pigs they shut down

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