CANCELLED
Architecture & Home Tour 2026
Please check back. Tour will be rescheduled for spring 2027
FREE film screening
Saturday, October 24
2:00 P.M.
At the San Leandro Main Library
300 Estudillo Ave.
A FREE Special Screening of Filmmaker Kevin MacLean's Acclaimed Documentary
Q&A after the film with Kevin MacLean in person and Hank Jones by Zoom
and local resident Chad Pennebaker, who has been friends with Hank and Dean since they were kids
Q&A after the film with Kevin MacLean in person and Hank Jones by Zoom
and local resident Chad Pennebaker, who has been friends with Hank and Dean since they were kids
SEE THE TRAILER
Magical moments abound in this story of the life and career of legendary Disney character actor and singer Hank Jones. From his early appearances on television to his classic Disney films, this documentary is a mid-century pop culture time capsule sure to fascinate audiences young and old.
Hank grew up in San Leandro with his close friend Dean Kay. While attending college, the two formed the singing duo Hank and Dean. Dean went on to a storied career as a singer, songwriter—including the hit “That’s Life,” famously recorded by Frank Sinatra—and music publisher.
Hank went in a different direction. After landing a bit part in a film, Hank was hooked on acting. His eight films with Disney Studios included roles as Gudger Larkin in Blackbeard’s Ghost, Sir Lancelot in Herbie Rides Again, and an officer in The Cat from Outer Space. Over the course of his twenty-year acting career, Hank appeared in numerous television sitcoms, including My Three Sons and the Patty Duke Show, as well as dozens of films, among them Tora! Tora! Tora!
A prolific animator with more than 30 years in the business, artist Kevin Maclean has contributed to celebrated animated films and modern classics including Frozen, Zootopia, Moana, Encanto, and Kung Fu Panda. His lifelong love of classic Disney live-action films inspired this heartfelt tribute to an original Disney talent.
Film run time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Hank grew up in San Leandro with his close friend Dean Kay. While attending college, the two formed the singing duo Hank and Dean. Dean went on to a storied career as a singer, songwriter—including the hit “That’s Life,” famously recorded by Frank Sinatra—and music publisher.
Hank went in a different direction. After landing a bit part in a film, Hank was hooked on acting. His eight films with Disney Studios included roles as Gudger Larkin in Blackbeard’s Ghost, Sir Lancelot in Herbie Rides Again, and an officer in The Cat from Outer Space. Over the course of his twenty-year acting career, Hank appeared in numerous television sitcoms, including My Three Sons and the Patty Duke Show, as well as dozens of films, among them Tora! Tora! Tora!
A prolific animator with more than 30 years in the business, artist Kevin Maclean has contributed to celebrated animated films and modern classics including Frozen, Zootopia, Moana, Encanto, and Kung Fu Panda. His lifelong love of classic Disney live-action films inspired this heartfelt tribute to an original Disney talent.
Film run time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Registration is not required, but registering ensures a seat.
Past Events
ART IN BLOOM
Thursday, August 27 at the Casa Peralta and Little Brown Church
Co-hosted by the San Leandro Dahlia Society and the Historical Society
On a beautiful summer evening, almost 200 people enjoyed the beautiful dahlias in bloom and demonstrations of dividing tubers and flower arranging. Inside the Little Brown Church, a slide show of the history of the Casa Peralta fascinated guests with the deep history of this San Leandro architectural gem and sparked many questions about how to save it.
Thursday, August 27 at the Casa Peralta and Little Brown Church
Co-hosted by the San Leandro Dahlia Society and the Historical Society
On a beautiful summer evening, almost 200 people enjoyed the beautiful dahlias in bloom and demonstrations of dividing tubers and flower arranging. Inside the Little Brown Church, a slide show of the history of the Casa Peralta fascinated guests with the deep history of this San Leandro architectural gem and sparked many questions about how to save it.
LITTLE BROWN CHURCH OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, June 6 at the Little Brown Church
We welcomed more than 300 visitors in to see our historic building. Brody Q. Scotland's photographs of classic mid-century San Leandro signs were on display, sparking lots of memories. A slide show of past Cherry Festival photographs gave us a glimpse at the very first festival in 1909 and several years after.
Saturday, June 6 at the Little Brown Church
We welcomed more than 300 visitors in to see our historic building. Brody Q. Scotland's photographs of classic mid-century San Leandro signs were on display, sparking lots of memories. A slide show of past Cherry Festival photographs gave us a glimpse at the very first festival in 1909 and several years after.
THRIVING IN THE MARGINS: History from a Woman's Perspective
Speakers Karin K. Jensen and Julia Park Tracey
Saturday, April 11, at the First Presbyterian Church
Speakers Karin K. Jensen and Julia Park Tracey
Saturday, April 11, at the First Presbyterian Church
Authors Karin and Julia delved into the all-but-forgotten stories of women's lives
in this lively talk about researching and writing the stories of their ancestors. About 45 guests were fascinated by Karin's The Strength of Water, a memoir of her mother's journey from Detroit to wartime China and back, and Julia's historical novels The Bereaved, an historical novel based on the mother of a child sent west on an Orphan Train, and Silence, based on her 7th great-grandmother, a Puritan who faced unbearable loss.
in this lively talk about researching and writing the stories of their ancestors. About 45 guests were fascinated by Karin's The Strength of Water, a memoir of her mother's journey from Detroit to wartime China and back, and Julia's historical novels The Bereaved, an historical novel based on the mother of a child sent west on an Orphan Train, and Silence, based on her 7th great-grandmother, a Puritan who faced unbearable loss.
TRIVIA BEE 2025
Saturday, November 1
Guests vied for the honor of Trivia Bee Champ 2025 while enjoying a pizza and salad lunch in the beautiful Alta MIra Club.
Saturday, November 1
Guests vied for the honor of Trivia Bee Champ 2025 while enjoying a pizza and salad lunch in the beautiful Alta MIra Club.
1868 Earthquake! Speaker Richard Schwartz
Saturday, September 6, 2025
This sold-out event (with a long wait list) brought about 170 people to the First Presbyterian Church auditorium to hear Richard Schwartz on the history and lessons to be learned from the massive earthquake on the Hayward Fault in 1868.
Saturday, September 6, 2025
This sold-out event (with a long wait list) brought about 170 people to the First Presbyterian Church auditorium to hear Richard Schwartz on the history and lessons to be learned from the massive earthquake on the Hayward Fault in 1868.
Open House during the Cherry Festival
June 7, 2025
June 7, 2025
We welcomed more than 350 visitors to the Historic Little Brown Church through the eight hours of the Cherry Festival. The slide show of past cherry festivals and Brody Q. Scotland's "Here Is a Sign" photograph exhibit were big hits. The highlight of the day may have been when one of our guests filled our space with beautiful music as she played our old organ.
2025 Architecture & Home Tour
May 10, 2025
Our 4th annual self-guided Architecture & Home Tour showcased a variety of San Leandro architecture from the 1880s to the 1970s. It included a beautiful Craftsman bungalow home, a lovely and unique eclectic revival home, a home built as a “Model Home of the Future” for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, and a beautiful, custom ranch-style home. Also included were three historic buildings--the First Presbyterian Church (celebrating its 100th birthday), the Portuguese Holy Ghost chapel built in the 1890s, and the Veterans' Memorial Building with gorgeous Art Deco elements and a deep history. The tour booklet included supporting articles about the Golden Gate International Exposition, Estudillo Estates, the Portuguese community in San Leandro, and the Monument to the Portuguese Immigrant. See it here.
May 10, 2025
Our 4th annual self-guided Architecture & Home Tour showcased a variety of San Leandro architecture from the 1880s to the 1970s. It included a beautiful Craftsman bungalow home, a lovely and unique eclectic revival home, a home built as a “Model Home of the Future” for the 1939 Golden Gate International Exposition, and a beautiful, custom ranch-style home. Also included were three historic buildings--the First Presbyterian Church (celebrating its 100th birthday), the Portuguese Holy Ghost chapel built in the 1890s, and the Veterans' Memorial Building with gorgeous Art Deco elements and a deep history. The tour booklet included supporting articles about the Golden Gate International Exposition, Estudillo Estates, the Portuguese community in San Leandro, and the Monument to the Portuguese Immigrant. See it here.
Story Share
March 2, 2005
City of San Leandro History Museum
Oral History Program Event
With Volunteers from the San Leandro Historical Society
Volunteers from the Historical Society assisted museum staff in capturing the stories of San Leandro residents at this Story Share oral history event. Their unique stories add to our understanding of San Leandro, past, present, and future!
March 2, 2005
City of San Leandro History Museum
Oral History Program Event
With Volunteers from the San Leandro Historical Society
Volunteers from the Historical Society assisted museum staff in capturing the stories of San Leandro residents at this Story Share oral history event. Their unique stories add to our understanding of San Leandro, past, present, and future!
Trivia Bee, Pizza Lunch, and General Meeting
Saturday, November 2, 2024
At the Historic Peralta House/Alta Mira Club
About 50 people gathered at the historic Peralta House/Alta Mira Club for a pizza buffet and general meeting. After the meeting, we presented the Then & Now Trivia Bee, showing photographs of historic buildings and San Leandro and asking what is there now. Participants had a great time shouting out answers and learning more San Leandro history.
Saturday, November 2, 2024
At the Historic Peralta House/Alta Mira Club
About 50 people gathered at the historic Peralta House/Alta Mira Club for a pizza buffet and general meeting. After the meeting, we presented the Then & Now Trivia Bee, showing photographs of historic buildings and San Leandro and asking what is there now. Participants had a great time shouting out answers and learning more San Leandro history.
Daily Life at the Turn of the Century
Saturday, September 7, 2024
At the Historic Little Brown Church
The audience was in rapt attention for Richard Schwartz's lively, informative slide show and talk about East Bay life around 1900, based on his book Berkeley 1900: Daily Life at the Turn of the Century.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
At the Historic Little Brown Church
The audience was in rapt attention for Richard Schwartz's lively, informative slide show and talk about East Bay life around 1900, based on his book Berkeley 1900: Daily Life at the Turn of the Century.
Dahlias and History
August 7, 2024
Sponsored by the San Leandro Dahlia Society & the San Leandro Historical Society
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THANK YOU to the many people who joined us on the grounds of the Casa Peralta, to see the beautiful dahlias in bloom, visit the Casa Peralta booth for information, drop in to the Little Brown Church to watch the Casa Peralta slide show and see the Brodie Q. Scotland photographs, while enjoying a lovely evening and delicious refreshments. And THANK YOU to the Dahlia Society for co-hosting this event and donating all the proceeds of their dahlia sales to the Casa Peralta Campaign Fund!
2024 Architecture & Home Tour
May 18, 2024
May 18: Homeowners and building owners, sponsors, volunteers, and coordinators celebrate the successful 2024 tour.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to making the
2024 Architecture & Home Tour a success!
2024 Architecture & Home Tour a success!
- To the homeowners and building owners who graciously opened their doors and shared the beauty and stories of their homes--thank you for your generosity and warmth. Your passion for preserving San Leandro history is truly inspiring.
- To our incredible sponsors, The Optimist Club of San Leandro, Juan and Evelyn González, Cindy and Rick Simons--your contributions made this event possible. We appreciate your commitment to our community and its heritage.
- To our amazing volunteers and coordinators--your dedication, hard work, and enthusiasm were the driving force behind this tour. Thank you for giving your time and energy to ensure everything ran smoothly.
- And to the participants who toured the outstanding gems of our neighborhoods--thank you for your interest in our city. We hope to see you again next year!
Booth at San Leandro's It's a Wonderful Night, December 1, 2003
Trivia Bee and Luncheon at the Alta Mira Club, November 4, 2023
Guests had a great time exploring San Leandro history and the historic Alta Mira Club.
Guests had a great time exploring San Leandro history and the historic Alta Mira Club.
The Apology Film Screening at the Historic Bal Theater, October 17, 2023
More than 500 people registered for this special screening of a documentary exploring an incident in the 1960s when Alameda County and the City of Hayward dismantled the entire community of Russell City, pushing 1,400 residents out of their homes and off their land -- all to claim the 200 acres for an industrial park.
More than 500 people registered for this special screening of a documentary exploring an incident in the 1960s when Alameda County and the City of Hayward dismantled the entire community of Russell City, pushing 1,400 residents out of their homes and off their land -- all to claim the 200 acres for an industrial park.
2023 Architecture and Home Tour, May 20
Thank you to sponsors, tour site homeowners and organizations, and volunteers who made it possible for our guests to explore San Leandro architecture and historic buildings.
Thank you to sponsors, tour site homeowners and organizations, and volunteers who made it possible for our guests to explore San Leandro architecture and historic buildings.
Missed the tour? Went on the tour but would like digital booklets? Click here.
Comments from Tour Guests
- The 2023 selection of beautiful old homes and historic buildings was just lovely!
- The right amount of spots to stop, explore and learn about their history.
- Everyone was so welcoming~ the volunteers, the owners or hosts and of course the San Leandro Historical Society.
- The booklet was very informative, including the pictures.
- Program notes were engaging, informative
Thank you to our History Hero Sponsor,
The Optimist Club of San Leandro
And to our History Supporter Sponsors
Juan & Evelyn Gonzalez
And to Bronze Sponsors
Chad & Jean Pennebaker
The Optimist Club of San Leandro
And to our History Supporter Sponsors
Juan & Evelyn Gonzalez
And to Bronze Sponsors
Chad & Jean Pennebaker
2022 Events
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Trivia Bee, Potluck Lunch, and General Meeting
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Join us for an informative and fun trivia bee, a potluck lunch, and a short meeting. We’ve rented the historic Peralta Home/Alta Mira Club, the oldest building in San Leandro, for our last 2022 event. A docent will give us a tour. We'll have our trivia bee, lunch, and meeting in the spacious back room. We’ll supply the lasagnas; you bring a salad or dessert.
Have fun testing your local history chops in our San Leandro trivia bee. We'll show a picture of a person, place, or event, and start giving you hints. First person to call out the correct answer gets a point. The person with the most points at the end wins a prize -- and reigns as our Local History Champ!
We'll have a short meeting at the end, with a review of our 150th celebrations, our financial report, and the election of 2023 board members.
Please RSVP by November 10. It's free!
Have fun testing your local history chops in our San Leandro trivia bee. We'll show a picture of a person, place, or event, and start giving you hints. First person to call out the correct answer gets a point. The person with the most points at the end wins a prize -- and reigns as our Local History Champ!
We'll have a short meeting at the end, with a review of our 150th celebrations, our financial report, and the election of 2023 board members.
Please RSVP by November 10. It's free!
The sun is shining, the park is emerald green, and the end of summer is in sight.
Labor Day is one of our most beloved and memorable end-of-summer celebrations. Join the Historical Society on Saturday September 3rd from 11:00-3:00 at the Seagull Picnic Area at the San Leandro Marina Park. We will come together to enjoy food, music, and games. We will be celebrating the past, present, and future of Labor in San Leandro.
FOOD: You can either BYO picnic (barbecue grills at the Seagull Picnic Area are available on a first-come-first-served basis) or purchase a to-go picnic from one of our restaurant partners.
Don't feel like packing a picnic basket? We're partnering with two locally owned restaurants so you don't have to! Order ahead with any of our restaurant partners and they will take care of the rest. Pick up your pre-paid orders between 11:00 am and 12:00 at the picnic.
HISTORY: We’ll also be showcasing the history of labor in San Leandro with photos from the archive of local workers, unions, and companies that are new and old.
Labor Day is one of our most beloved and memorable end-of-summer celebrations. Join the Historical Society on Saturday September 3rd from 11:00-3:00 at the Seagull Picnic Area at the San Leandro Marina Park. We will come together to enjoy food, music, and games. We will be celebrating the past, present, and future of Labor in San Leandro.
FOOD: You can either BYO picnic (barbecue grills at the Seagull Picnic Area are available on a first-come-first-served basis) or purchase a to-go picnic from one of our restaurant partners.
Don't feel like packing a picnic basket? We're partnering with two locally owned restaurants so you don't have to! Order ahead with any of our restaurant partners and they will take care of the rest. Pick up your pre-paid orders between 11:00 am and 12:00 at the picnic.
- It's A Grind Cafe is a specialty coffee house established in 1994 to provide high quality gourmet coffee, espresso beverages, better for you healthy cold drinks, a range of home baked foods in a comfortable, and a community-focused neighborhood environment. Their online menu offers pizza, piroshkis, breakfast burritos, brownies and more. Order up to 3 days ahead at their website: iagsanleandro.com/. Schedule item(s) for pick up with a note that it should be delivered as part of the Labor Day Picnic.
- Joaquin Deli is a neighborhood gem bridging delectable Old World comforts with a fusion of fresh local ingredients. They are known for their fine sandwiches, a great match for any picnic. Try the popular Lunch Box Combo which includes a sandwich of your choice from the sandwich menu, a brownie or a cookie, a can of soda or bottled water and a side order. Order ahead at their website: joaquindelica.com/36568 Schedule item(s) for pick up with a note that it should be delivered as part of the Labor Day Picnic.
HISTORY: We’ll also be showcasing the history of labor in San Leandro with photos from the archive of local workers, unions, and companies that are new and old.
Open House
and Here Is a Sign Photo Exhibit
Saturday, July 23 -- 3:00 to 5:00
Historic Little Brown Church
384 W. Estudillo Ave., San Leandro
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Enjoy wine and refreshments in the lovely courtyard of the Little Brown Church. Visit inside our historic building to see Brody Scotland's fabulous photos of mid-20th century San Leandro signs. Meet the artist!
When the horse and buggy disappeared and cars dominated the scene, the design of commercial signs changed to attract drivers cruising along the road. These oversized signs with bright colors caught the eye and were easier to read from a fast moving car.
Brody's 24 photographs highlight unique perspectives and shine a light on some San Leandro icons. They remind us to take another look at these often fading, damaged, and disappearing San Leandro signs. Have you noticed them when you're driving around town? Do you have. memories of these places? Rediscover some San Leandro treasures! A handout is available to help you find these signs around town.
Masks required inside the building.
When the horse and buggy disappeared and cars dominated the scene, the design of commercial signs changed to attract drivers cruising along the road. These oversized signs with bright colors caught the eye and were easier to read from a fast moving car.
Brody's 24 photographs highlight unique perspectives and shine a light on some San Leandro icons. They remind us to take another look at these often fading, damaged, and disappearing San Leandro signs. Have you noticed them when you're driving around town? Do you have. memories of these places? Rediscover some San Leandro treasures! A handout is available to help you find these signs around town.
Masks required inside the building.
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Art Exhibit ~ Watercolors of Historic Photos
July 1 to July 30
Main Library Art Gallery
300 Estudillo Ave., San Leandro
Check library website for open hours
Artist Diana Prola, inspired by historical photographs, painted 14 watercolors to celebrate San Leandro's 150th birthday. She has captured Lincoln School, the Best Building, a cherry orchard, tree-lined Estudillo Avenue, and many more beautiful San Leandro images.
Diana generously donated these to the Historical Society to raise funds for our celebration events. Thank you, Diana!
Don't miss these lovely images of San Leandro in the past, on display at the Main Library Art gallery in the month of July. Purchase one of these to grace your home and support Historical Society event plans!
Diana generously donated these to the Historical Society to raise funds for our celebration events. Thank you, Diana!
Don't miss these lovely images of San Leandro in the past, on display at the Main Library Art gallery in the month of July. Purchase one of these to grace your home and support Historical Society event plans!
Our Heartfelt thanks to these 150th Sponsors
Our events would not be possible without their support!
Brooks-Mathews Foundation
Optimist Club of San Leandro
Evelyn & Juan Gonzalez
Mitch Huitema & Tim Holmes
Cindy & Rick Simons
Jeff & Beth Mihaly
Ken Pon
Donald & Linda Pollard
Loren & Jacqui Diaz Family
Whit Magor
The San Leandro Historical Society is planning multiple events throughout 2022 in celebration of our City's 150th, sesquicentennial, anniversary. To make our vision reality we are looking for the support of corporate and business sponsors and individuals who care about our diverse San Leandro community and want to help us bring the community together to explore local history. Local businesses are an important part of our history, both past and present, and our goal is to give you the exposure you deserve. Download the Sponsor Package below to explore our current plans for events, programs, and merchandise through which your business can be publicly recognized. Don't miss this opportunity to market your business and be a part of this historic year. Click the Sponsorship Package to explore our events and sponsor levels. Use the form in the package to mail with your check, or use the button below to pay with a credit card online.
We're giving voices a microphone, and passing the word of community members who would like to share their stories in their own words on a diverse range of topics. This will be a year long project so stay tuned each month as we release new episodes. Click the button above for more information.