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WHO WE ARE
 
Saving Yesterday for Tomorrow

HOW WE CAME TO BE

 

In 1973, the Livermore Heritage Guild was founded in reaction to the impending demolition of the Southern Pacific Depot building. A group of local citizens realized that there were a number of historically valuable buildings and sites that would disappear in the name of progress if no one organized to prevent it. This led to the founding of the Guild.

 

OUR PURPOSE

Our goal is expressed by our motto: "Saving Yesterday for Tomorrow." To that end, the Guild collects and preserves historical artifacts, is an information resource for those who are interested in the history of Livermore and assists those searching for family background.

OUR BYLAWS

Click on HERE to download our bylaws (5 pages in PDF format).

MEETINGS

Our Board of Directors meet at 7:00 p.m. on the second Wednesday of each month, except for the September annual General Meeting and the December social. Meetings of the Guild are open to the public and you are cordially invited to attend. Contact a board member to confirm location. Currently (2012) meetings are at the Robert Livermore Community Center on East Avenue.

NEWSLETTER

The Guild publishes a newsletter six times per year with informative articles about the community's history.

HERITAGE GUILD ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

  • Instrumental in saving the Southern Pacific Depot.
  • Helped save and gain local historic recognition of the Buckley Estate (now Ravenswood Historic Site) and the Carnegie Library building, both operated by the Livermore Area Recreation and Park District.
  • Was successful in having the D.J. Murphy house on McLeod Street named to the National Register of Historic Places and as a City of Livermore Historic Preservation Heritage site.
  • Assisted in gaining National Register status for the Carnegie Building and Hagemann Ranch
  • Has had an entry in the annual Livermore Rodeo Parade since 1975.
  • Volunteers conduct walking tours of historic buildings and homes.
  • Collected and microfilmed more than 100 years of Livermore newspapers and has furnished copies to the Livermore Public Library.
  • Board member Barbara Bunshah has created a cross index for these newspapers so that virtually any news item can be located with ease.
  • Assisted St. Michael's church with its centennial book.
  • Secured old photo collections from newspapers, local photographers, and local family photos.
  • Archives contain many old maps, tax records, business directories, etc.
  • Conducts tours of the downtown, the Carnegie Building, and the Duarte Garage/Lincoln Highway Museum. Call for arrangements.
  • The Guild has restored three early Livermore fire engines.
  • Restored and maintains the Duarte Garage and cottage. The Guild saved the structures from demolition and reached an agreement with the City of Livermore in which the Guild assumed responsibility for the structures.
  • The Guild opens the Duarte Garage for special events and by appointment for students, Scouts, car clubs, the Lincoln Highway Association, and others.
  • Currently planning restoration of the Midway School, a one room school house located in the hills on Patterson Pass Road, and planning relocation to town for use by students as a unique learning experience.
  • A Guild member began a docent training program that evolved into a four week local history class given through the Livermore school district's Adult Education Program.

 

HISTORY CENTER AT THE CARNEGIE BUILDING

The Guild maintains a History Center in the Carnegie Building at 3rd and K Streets in Livermore. We are open Wednesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, later during Farmer's Market Thursdays. A docent is always in attendance to assist visitors.

LINCOLN HIGHWAY (DUARTE) MUSEUM

In 1976, the Guild was asked by the City of Livermore to assume responsibility for the Duarte Garage and cottage located on Portola Avenue. The Garage was established as a way station on the old Lincoln Highway in 1915. The Guild opens the Garage monthly and for special events.

HISTORY TALKS

Interesting and informative presentations are held the third Wednesday of each month. Join us at the Civic Center Library, 1188 S. Livermore Ave., Livermore. Doors open at 7 p.m.; lecture starts at 7:30 p.m. No charge, though a $2 donation is appreciated. Lite refreshments are served. For more information call (925) 449-9927.

HISTORYMOBILE

The Historymobile, created by members Tillie Calhoun and Barry Schrader, is available to all third grade classes in Livermore. Typically 900 to 1,000 students tour the vehicle each year. The Historymobile is a regular attraction at the Harvest celebration held at the Concannon Winery and at the yearly Ice Cream Social at Ravenswood. A remodeled History Mobile is being prepared for the 2011-2012 school year.

ANNUAL AUCTION

As a fundraising event, each year the Guild holds a dinner and auction of unique donated items in May.
Call 449-9927 for details.

 

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