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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: "Helping save 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 first 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.

NEWSLETTER

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

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  • The Guild was instrumental in saving the Southern Pacific Depot.
  • The Guild was instrumental in 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.
  • The Guild 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.
  • The Guild has had an entry in the annual Livermore Rodeo Parade since 1975.
  • A Board member conducts walking tours of historic buildings and homes.
  • The Guild has 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.
  • The Guild assisted St. Michael's church with its centennial book.
  • The Guild has secured old photo collections from newspapers, local photographers, and local family photos.
  • The Guild archives contain many old maps, tax records, business directories, etc.
  • Guild docents conduct tours of the downtown, the Carnegie Building, and, by special arrangement, the Duarte Garage/Lincoln Highway Museum.
  • The Guild has preserved three early Livermore fire engines.
  • The Guild has 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.
  • The Guild is currently participating in the relocation and restoration in town of the Midway School, a one room school house located in the hills on Patterson Pass Road, and have it relocated in town for use by students as a unique learning experience. 50% of all 2006-2007 membership fees are being contributed to this cause.
  • The Guild was also responsible for working with the then Board of LARPD to save the cottage house and carriage house from demolition.
  • A Guild member began a docent training program that has evolved into a four week local history class given each year 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 Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A docent is always in attendance to assist visitors with access to information in our archives.

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 for special events.

HISTORY TALKS

Interesting and informative presentations are held the (correct day) 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.

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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