I have the honor of being the keynote speaker at the Santa Monica Conservancy’s Annual Meeting and Preservation Awards program on February 8. I will discuss the layered Santa Monica history of the meeting’s location at Casa Del Mar Hotel, once a historical, Jim Crow era leisure space of African Americans sometimes known as the Inkwell. I hope to see you at the meeting, and please feel free to pass this information on. See announcement below.
Santa Monica Conservancy’s Annual Meeting and Preservation Awards
Sunday, February 8th, noon to 2 pm
At the Historic Hotel Casa Del Mar
1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405
We are pleased to invite you to our 2015 Annual Meeting and Preservation Awards, hosted by Hotel Casa Del Mar. In addition to presentation of the Preservation Awards, we will review the Conservancy’s successes in 2014 including an update on the Preservation Resource Center at the rehabilitated Shotgun House, and the election of the Board of Directors. Refreshments will include passed hors d’oeuvres and a no-host bar.
Photos from the Los Angeles Public Library collection taken at the “Inkwell”, left: ca 1920, center: ca 1924. Photo on right: Nick Gabaldon Day, June 1, 2013, Black Surfers Collective. (click to enlarge)
Our speaker will be historian Alison Rose Jefferson, who will discuss inclusiveness in cultural heritage conservation and interpretation in a talk on Diversity, Real Estate, and Remembrance in Santa Monica. She will describe her research and some innovative programming efforts at the “Inkwell,” the historical Jim Crow era, African-American beach site adjacent to the Casa del Mar which remained an important gathering place long after racial restriction attempts at public beaches were abandoned in 1927.
In 2008 the City of Santa Monica installed a monument at Bay Street and Oceanfront Walk officially recognizing the “Inkwell” and Nick Gabaldón, the first documented surfer of African- and Mexican-American descent. At this site Gabaldón and others challenged racism and class structures to enjoy beach public space, and contributed to opening up leisure and public spaces for all. Jefferson has initiated new partnerships with colleagues in ocean stewardship as well as in history, social action, surfing and aquatics, to share more diverse stories about our heritage with younger and broader audiences. The Conservancy frequently partners with Jefferson to provide an information booth and interpretive displays during these events.
The Annual Meeting is free. However, space is limited and advance reservations are advised by February 4. Register online, by sending email to or by leaving a message at (310) 496-3146.
Are you a current member of the Conservancy?
Your annual membership contributions support our work to preserve the architectural and cultural heritage of our city. You will receive our informative quarterly newsletter and discounts on tours and events – as well as complimentary admission to Saturday’s annual Holiday Party.
Join or renew now! You may join online as an Individual or Household Member or as a Business/Corporate Member. Or send a check to the address below.
Thank you for your support!
Mailing Address:
Santa Monica Conservancy
PO Box 653
Santa Monica, CA 90406
US
Contact Name: Santa Monica Conservancy
Telephone Number: (310) 496-3146
http://www.smconservancy.org/events-programs/special-events/
