In commemoration of Rancho Los Cerritos’ 175th Anniversary year throughout 2019, the blog will be featuring a series of stories as submitted by our followers and fans – “back in the day,” historic, nostalgic, and other tales – highlighting fun facts, personal perspectives, and other viewpoints from staff, volunteers, and visitors alike. Enjoy! Jim Armfield[…]
RLC Library Illuminates California African-American History for Young Academic
By Rancho Staff history, rlc175 Feb 28, 2019
Writer/Actor Amy Simon Shines Light on Historical Women’s Stories at RLC
By Rancho Staff Events, history, Long Beach, Upcoming Events Feb 15, 2019
Drawing on diaries, letters, publications and biographies, actor/writer Amy Simon’s one-woman show, She’s History!, tells the stories of women in history. Simon brings to life Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Bella Abzug, among others, employing humor and pathos in equal measure. Simon said it was her own experience as a mother that[…]
5 (Other) Famous 1844 Birthdays
By Rancho Staff history, rlc175 Feb 08, 2019
If you’ve been wondering why the year 1844 is being bandied about lately over here at Rancho Los Cerritos, then you haven’t heard the big news yet. But we will get to that soon enough. In the first in a series of blog posts, RLC will feature “back in the day,” historic, nostalgic, and other[…]
RLC Receives Priceless Donation from Bixby Descendants
By Rancho Staff history, rlc175 Feb 06, 2019
Stephen Dudley, grandson of 1930s-era RLC owners Avis and Llewellyn Bixby, visited the site late in January to donate a document to our collection. The document, dating from the 1850s, is nearly as old as the Rancho itself. “John Temple would have had to submit appeals to prove he owned the land,” RLC Curator Sarah[…]
Justin Farmer Weaves History at RLC
By Rancho Staff Events, history, Long Beach, Upcoming Events Jan 31, 2019
On January 26th, Rancho Los Cerritos was honored to host special guest and Ipay elder Justin Farmer, who was here to discuss and demonstrate the history and techniques of traditional Native American and Indian basketry in California. This was the first of four special events in a series RLC has planned to connect California Native[…]
Indian Basketry in California
By Jennifer Rice Epstein Jan 26, 2019
Join us for a series of special events connected to our latest exhibit, “Tevaaxa’nga (Te-vaah-ha-nga) to Today: Stories of the Tongva People.” In this talk, Master Weaver and Ipay Elder Justin Farmer discusses the history and techniques of Indian basketry in California. Register online or pay at the door. About the Speaker Justin Farmer began collecting[…]
RLC Memories
By Rancho Staff history, Long Beach Jan 11, 2019
As Rancho Los Cerritos enters its 175th year, we are collecting memories from visitors. Long Beach resident and retired teacher Carol Clark shares remembrances, and these photos, of her first visit to the Rancho. Email your Rancho memory to rancho@rancholoscerritos.org to be featured on our blog. “My family moved to California in 1966 when I[…]
Status, Style, and Culture: Interpretation of the 1870s Parlor and the 1931 Living Room
By Curatorial Intern history, Long Beach Dec 20, 2018
During the Victorian era, the parlor was the front room of every middle and high-class homes and for some, used exclusively to receive and entertain guest and for others, used as an environment for family intimacy. The parlor was the reflection of who the family was and therefore a lot of money and thought went[…]
Behind the Scenes: Holiday Decor at RLC
By Rancho Staff exhibits, history, Long Beach, Photos Dec 07, 2018
Every year, dozens of volunteers transform Rancho Los Cerritos’ historic house and gardens for the holidays. Each room tells a story about the traditions of people who live in California in the 19th century. The Foreman’s Room – This room is set to look as though a father, employed at the Rancho, has turned his bedroom[…]
Altar on View at RLC in Celebration of Dia de Los Muertos
By Rancho Staff exhibits, history, Long Beach, Visitor Information Oct 19, 2018
From October 19 through November 4, an altar outside the Visitor Center at Rancho Los Cerritos will honor some of the Rancho’s loved ones with pictures, sugar skulls, marigolds, and more. This will be the third year RLC has an Ofrenda; a project spearheaded by the Rancho’s Outreach Coordinator, Alana Reese. “My parents have both[…]