Beer and history

For many parents around the Valley, this is the week their little ones have waited for and dreamed of, for what seemed an eternity — summer vacation.   Throughout the summer there are endless events that promote history in one way or another.  Do visit museums, enroll in camps, attend local events and walk the Plaza looking for plaques that talk back.  Of course, one need not be a child to continue to learn about the past and the human condition.

Over at the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, one can interpret the human condition interpreting the art of William T. Wiley.  The exhibit “Wall and Ardor: William T. Wiley in the 21st Century” is running through July 27.  Wiley “creates innovative, highly personal works of art in may media…Painting for Wiley is intertwined with language.  Word and image seduce the viewer to experience the unexpected.”

For younger audiences, I will be conducting two archaeological camps this summer.  The first begin next week, sponsored by the Sonoma Valley Historical Society. From June 9-13, Archaeology Camp for ages 9-12 will take place at the Depot Museum.  The historical society is offering sponsorships and this camp is going to be incredible.  I will focus on the original inhabitants of the area, the Coast Miwok, and on Mexican and Russian occupation of the area. Campers will learn a variety of archaeological techniques.  We will be using real artifacts to clean, identify and interpret. Campers will learn how to identify archaeological sites and preserve them for future generations.  For more information head to Depotparkmusuem.org or call 707-938-1762.

The following week from June 16-20, I will tackle younger campers, ages 4-10, at the Archaeology & Discovery Camp sponsored by Sonoma Academy of Dance & Arts (SADA).  I have been conducting archaeology camp for SADA for many years now, shaping the young minds of Sonoma’s future archaeologists. Children will learn the basics of archaeology and the camp has a strong focus on culture. Each year all campers participate in a re-enactment of the early history of Sonoma and by the time the week has ended, campers will know most of the bones in the human body!  For more information head to Sonomasummercamps,com.

There is something new and exciting around the Plaza: QR. These are plaques that talk. The Sonoma League for Historic Preservation kicked off a project earlier this week, using modern technology and the voice of the Glen Ellen Historical Society’s Jim Shere.  QR stands for “quick response” and allows one to scan their smart phones on a black and white pixelated design, and miraculously the phone begins to speak. The first plaque was placed at Sonoma’s City Hall, completed in 1908.  You must go check this out.

There’s nothing better than beer and history.  If you agree don’t miss the Native Son’s of the Golden West event this June 14 on the Plaza.  There will be over 30 brewers and plenty of food and music.  This year, the Bear Flag re-enactment, which commemorates one of the most significant events in California’s early history, will be performed at the barracks.  Although I haven’t discussed this with them, re-enactor’s will be available after the performance to address any questions one might have about Sonoma in the 1840‘s.

There is so much to do this summer. Please let me know what you’re doing so that I can share your discoveries with my readers. This will be a great summer of turning stones!