From the "former" Museum Director

This will be the last time I write here at the RBHS Blog. It's been a great journey to work for so many years on the possibility of a new museum at the Bernardo Winery. I've met some great people who have helped to organize collections, design exhibits, collect history, interpret history, and docent to the local community and visitors from many places. Here we are at the my "End of the Road" party at the French Market Grill. Wonderful lunch and special desserts! Thank you all for this opportunity. You are all the best!

From the Director

Here's the new exhibit case with artifacts displaying the famous RB logo. From cigarette lighters to mugs and table games and sports memorabilia! Included is the 1981 first Don Bernardo hat worn by the first Don Bernardo-Larry McIntyre. This honor was a precursor to today's RB Honorary Mayor.
The RBHS Museum is decorated for the season and the first of Holiday Nights brought 20 visitors to enjoy refreshments and watch a video of RB history.
Thanks to the volunteers who greeted and welcomed everyone.
In the next few weeks, a new exhibit will be installed. Brian Smith & Associates will assist with archaeological artifacts from RB and the surrounding area.
Please come visit and let us know what you think.

From the Director

Tuesday morning museum volunteers listened to Scott Wolf, ASM Associates archaeologist as he examined and talked about RBHS artifacts. This is the first time a professional has offered to help with this important part of the authentication an documentation of items. Scott's enthusiasm was contagious and we came away wanting to know more about local history. We will update the society with final information which has yet to be verified.

From the Director

It's almost September 11th. One of our members has written a poem in remembrance of the day. Come see it on display at the museum.

This morning we are loading up the cars and vans with tables and tents in preparation for our Sunset BBQ Membership Drive.

The weather forecast is for 82 degrees and sunny-perfect.

Hope to see you at the Sikes Adobe Farmstead!

From the Director

Last week, we paid a visit to the Escondido History Center where we picked up two artifacts being deaccessioned from their collections. The catalog card said "Fireplace Tile and piece of Fireplace" from the "Stokes Ranch, Rancho San Bernardo." These items are both curious and we started asking some questions: did the card mean Snooks, not Stokes? Were these items from the Oaks Adobe not the Snooks adobe? And what did KAOSPAR-stamped on the back of the tile-refer to? Yes, we were history detectives. If you visit the museum at the winery, you may find answers to these questions and more. A new exhibit is in place featuring Recent Acquisitions. Included are artifacts which the historical society has received in 2010. Take a look at the curious fireplace tile and other items and tell us what you think.

From the Director

Do you remember Rancho Bernardo's Symphony on the Green performances? They highlighted some of the greatest guest stars of the century. You can see Bob Hope and Ella Fitzgerald in one of the panels on display at the museum. Come visit and take a walk down memory lane. The museum is open Tuesday and Friday from 9-12 and August 15th from 1-3. Or if you are at the Bernado Winery's First Friday event, stop by.

PS. A teenager visited the museum last week and as we were talking about the SOG, he admitted he didn't know who Bob Hope was! Is this history being lost?

From the Director

Today was the first annual Museum Volunteer Luncheon, held at the Cafe Merlot, Bernardo Winery. To all the hard working Tuesday morning volunteers who do so many tasks, hats go off to you. Lynn, who is reorganizing the Topic Files, Peggy, the Collections Manager, Marge and May who are now organizing RB's real estate documents, Jo who is working on the P.J. Skill Collection, Nancy, our President, Faye, a faithful Sunday afternoon docent ( Sorry you were playing bridge today, Jerry), Sally who organized the Office, and Carolyn who is the Board's representative. Sorry you were away in British Columbia, Margarita. Special thanks to Toni who offered the volunteers a wonderful group dessert!

From the Director

It's almost July- time for the Spirit of the 4th. The museum's two cases display memorabilia from years gone by, programs, ribbons, and awards. Please stop by and visit the displays. We are currently open Tuesday and Friday 9-12. This Friday the museum will be open 5-7 for the Bernardo Winery's First Friday event.

Above Marge LaGrone looks into one of the display cases. Marge is a dedicated volunteer on Tuesday mornings. She has been sorting through boxes of 4th of July materials and also documents relating to real estate in RB. Thanks, Marge.

From the Director

Living History is coming to the Rancho Bernardo History Museum. Above, Carolyn is assisting Margarita with the persona of Maria Antonia Alvarado Snook. In the one image we have of this historic figure, she appears very stern and solemn, dressed in fine silks and lace and wearing embroidered gloves on her hands. A brooch at her throat and earrings complete the outfit. Margarita is now tasked with studying for the role, learning the names of family members, the lifestyle that was hers and her husband, Captain Joseph Snook. I hope she will be able to stay in character for the event on December 5th, 2-4 pm at the museum. Finally, we are going to be open to the public, members, sponsors and volunteers on that date. Please join us. You can greet Maria Antonia with a "buenos tardes."

From the Director

Mark your calendars for December 5th, 2009, 2-4 pm. The reopening of the Rancho Bernardo History Museum is scheduled for this Saturday afternoon. The event is for volunteers, members and sponsors of the historical Society. The latest exhibit Footpaths to Freeways: Traveling in RB will be on display. In addition, the Soroptimists will have a small exhibit, and the Wall of Honor will be at the entrance.

If you are new to the Winery, the Vineyard Room/Museum is located to the east of Cafe Merlot. Look for our signs for further directions.

Visit us on this day or again in the evening of December 18th and 19th when the Bernardo Winery hosts its Holiday Nights. 5-8 pm.

Oh, there will be two very special quests at the reception. Come prepared to speak with living history figures from our past!