THE APOLOGY Film Screening
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
at the Historic Bal Theatre
14808 E. 14th St., San Leandro
Presented by
The San Leandro Historical Society with
the City of San Leandro
and the San Leandro History Museum
4:30 PM ~ Doors open (the San Leandro History Museum exhibit "Redlining and Housing Discrimination in San Leandro" will be on display in the lobby)
6:00 PM ~ Screening begins (82 minute run time)
7:30 PM ~ Q&A with filmmakers
FREE (Please Register)
This special screening at the Bal Theatre features a documentary that investigates a time 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.
Russell City was a mostly Black and Latino community, built by families who had been barred because of their color from buying homes or property elsewhere. For them, this community near Hayward was a beloved village, with thirteen businesses, seven churches, and 205 families. All of this was destroyed in 1963.
Sixty years later, THE APOLOGY features the stories of more than twenty Russell City residents and their descendants. Using archival footage, animated photos, and illustrations, the film explores the historical significance of an apology. What does it mean to make amends for a past that is very much present in the memories of the former residents?
The San Leandro History Museum will feature their traveling exhibit "Redlining and Housing Discrimination in San Leandro" with a new interpretive panel on the relationship between redlining and the history of Russell City.
FREE
Please register
Russell City was a mostly Black and Latino community, built by families who had been barred because of their color from buying homes or property elsewhere. For them, this community near Hayward was a beloved village, with thirteen businesses, seven churches, and 205 families. All of this was destroyed in 1963.
Sixty years later, THE APOLOGY features the stories of more than twenty Russell City residents and their descendants. Using archival footage, animated photos, and illustrations, the film explores the historical significance of an apology. What does it mean to make amends for a past that is very much present in the memories of the former residents?
The San Leandro History Museum will feature their traveling exhibit "Redlining and Housing Discrimination in San Leandro" with a new interpretive panel on the relationship between redlining and the history of Russell City.
FREE
Please register
Watch a trailer and see more information on THE APOLOGY website.
| the_apology_flyer.pdf |
Past Events
2023 Architecture & Home Tour
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 on May 20!
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
Past 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.