Neva Carpenter’s memoir about growing up in the 1930s and ‘40s offers a vivid, entertaining, and moving look at daily life in a bygone El Cerrito. The book is out of print, but you can download a copy right here, then come discuss it with us in March!

Learn about El Cerrito in the 1930s and 1940s on this guided walk which highlights the places referred to in Neva Calvert Carpenter’s 2006 memoir, Harem Scarem: The Life of a Little Girl Growing up in El Cerrito, California. This is a three mile walking tour at an easy pace on level ground, with one short optional climb.

Ohlone settlement, Mexican rancho, dynamite manufactory, frog farm: Point Isabel’s fascinating past has gone largely undocumented until now. Join us for a talk by Mary Barnsdale, author of a forthcoming book about the rich history of one of the Bay Area’s most beautiful parks.

(Image courtesy David Abercrombie)

Come learn about the city of Albany. El Cerrito’s neighbor has a rich history, from its colorful incorporation story, to University Village, to old train systems and local architecture (some of which overlaps with El Cerrito).

Ginny Burns speaks to the society about the murder that rocked the East Bay in the 1920s, and which serves as the subject of her forthcoming novel.

Join us for a talk and tour of St. Peter Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME), El Cerrito’s only African-American church.