Ep 027 | Melinda McCrary, Director of the Richmond Museum of History

Richmond, California: A City of Pride and Purpose. When one hears about the City of Richmond, they could not be faulted if the first images that came to mind centered around crime and violence. But that is not the full story of Richmond. The City of Richmond is endowed with a long, rich history that plays an important role in our own country's history. Here to shed some more light on Richmond's proud history is Melinda McCrary of the Richmond History Museum. A very educational episode while we enjoyed a 2016 Unruly Rampant Chardonnay available at Bevmo for $17. This wine is buttery and a classic California Chardonnay that will rival the big boys | Guest: http://bit.ly/2AFJaS1 | Wine: http://bit.ly/2AHNWhJ Address: 400 Nevin Rd. Richmond, CA        Hours: Wed- Sun 1-4pm Museum Website: richmondmuseum.org        Admission: Adults $5, Students/ Seniors $3                                                                         Kids get in Free Starting with the wine Unruly Ramport Chardonnay From Mendocino Can be bought at BevMo Getting started Lived in Richmond for the past 8 years, originally from Chicago Fell in love with the architecture/ style of Richmond Saving Historical Buildings Old Mechanics Bank Building Brick Buildings across from Nevin Park Museum Director of the Museum Interests in past and contemporary Richmond Started as intern, moved up in 5 years Talk about the Museum Carnegie Library until 1949, became a branch library in the 50's or 60's Remolded late 70's into a museum Richmond Prior to WWII Ohlone Indians lived along Bayshore Mexican Government take over Americans move in during the Gold Rush Geographical Situation Lots of room for ports Industrial companies wanted space on the Bay Richmond soon became a wine haven, leader in wine production After WWII Shipyards closing led to loss of 75,000 jobs No pay discrimination Hilltop Mall another blow to Richmond economy Pricing out and gentrification Back to the Museum Panoramic Photo: Picture taken in 1914, shows past agriculture climate WWII brought a lot more homes 3 Significant Events 1: Francisco Castro arrives in Richmond, first European settlement 2: Richmond Refinery established in early 1900's Led to arrival of Standard Oil/ Chevron, Railroad 3: Denzal Dahl Murder in 1968, led to increased Black Panther movement in Richmond Protests in Sacramento, Regan governor at the time Crime in Richmond Media fatigue on crime Changing the narrative Admissions and Donating Donate on the website Research Room Lots of old books, maps Anyone allowed to use for research Records date back to 1908, been collecting since 1951 Exhibits 1931 Model A Ford- one of the first off the assembly line purchased by museum for $1 mint condition, fully restored Old Reed Boat- part of Native American Exhibit Working on updating it, will be interactive Developing/ restoring old black and white photos Location/ Hours/ Website/ Wrap up