Devotees of vintage buildings on the Island are invited to more than a dozen activities celebrating the preservation of our architectural heritage. So many events are scheduled that the City Council is declaring April, May, and June “Historic Preservation Season!” With more than 4000 historic structures, Alameda has a lot to show off. From those gingerbread Victorians, those delirious Queen Annes, those comfy Craftsman homes, and those sturdy Bungalows to the Art Deco of the Alameda Theater and the Art Moderne left by the Navy at Alameda Point, rich and varied styles of architecture enrich and enliven our Island hometown.
Three organizations that thrive on heritage--the Historic Advisory Board, the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS) and the Alameda Museum --have organized all manner of presentations, walks, lectures, and tours to help people understand, recognize, and enjoy evidence of our past. The business community is also involved, because Heritage Tourism promotes commerce and brings visitors to town. Season cosponsors include the Alameda Association of Realtors, the Alameda Sun, the Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Alameda Business Association (GABA), the Park Street Business Association (PSBA), and the West Alameda Business Association (WABA)
Local author Woody Minor describes Alameda as an open air museum. “Want to see history? Just walk outside and look at buildings,” he often says. He will lead a walk during the season at a location to be revealed later. You can join architect Richard Rutter in a “Webster Street Walkabout” that will visit secret spaces and historic site in the West End with a visit to a restored Craftsman cottage to cap off the tour.
A visitor from the ethereal zone will appear in May, when Queen Victoria inspects the artwork of hundreds of elementary students who are studying the history, homes and culture of Alameda built during her reign, from 1837-1901. Dynamic slide lectures by local experts will include Hank Dunlop discussing the original Fernside, and Minor’s talk on his new book, A Home in Alameda. Historic Preservation Season culminates with the 12th annual AAPS Historic Preservation Awards highlighted by dramatic before and after images of acclaimed restoration projects.
Celebrate the legacy of historic preservation and restoration in Alameda! Visit these websites:alamedamuseum.org; and alameda-preservation.org. Check the Alameda Sun, read the Park Street Business Association Newsletter, the Alameda Museum Quarterly, AAPS News, and the Chamber of Commerce insert in the Alameda Journal. Or leave a message at 748.0796 to receive a leaflet with dates and times.