History is a big part of the identity of civic culture here in Riverside. We are proud of our city for what it is now and for all it has been. History means very little, however, without anyone to tell the tales. The Riverside Historical Society (RHS) is more than up to the task. History is a combination of meticulous attention to the details of the known past, as well as an optimism that there are new old stories not yet discovered. With a passion for Riverside and a rigorous respect for the craft, historians like Dr. Vince Moses, Glenn Wenzel, Steve Lech, and others make sure the story of Riverside is well told.
The 4th Annual Local History Book Fair, sponsored by the RHS, is happening on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Riverside Medical Clinic basement at 7117 Brockton Avenue. This year, seven brand-new local history books will be presented and written by local historians and authors. You'll also get a chance to meet the authors, explore rare books and ephemera through a silent auction, and listen to a special presentation by Dr. Vince Moses at Fairmount Park at 1:00 p.m.
I am especially excited about this event. My article in this publication, Fairmount Park Isn't Scary, has been included in the compilation of writings on the park. I am thrilled to be a small part of the publication and hope it isn't my last contribution to the story of our city.
Books making their debut:
The People’s Playground - Riverside’s Fairmount Park (RHS)
Riverside’s Street Names by Steve Lech
Back in the Day Vols. 5 and 6 by Steve Lech and Kim Jarrell Johnson
Riverside Compendium (RHS)
The annual Journal of the Riverside Historical Society (RHS)
Riverside and the Salt Lake Route by Glenn Wenzel
More information about the Riverside Historical Society and the Book Fair can be found on the RHS website.
A free event on Oct. 13 at the Civil Rights Institute in Southern California celebrates local female activists with a book launch, performances, and exhibits.
