Blast from the Past: History for the Holidays

So it's that time again.  There's only a couple of weeks left to shop and you still have no freakin' clue what you're going to get for your (cousin/father-in-law/aunt/neighbor/coworker you can't stand but wound up drawing for the Secret Santa exchange).

How about a trip to the past?

Our area, not just Hercules but Contra Costa in general, is rich in history.  From the Black Diamond Mines in the east to the Kaiser Shipyards in the west, it's all around us.  And there are lots of ways to learn about it.

A quick search of the Google produced the following:

A map of CoCo County historical points of interest

An East Contra Costa postcard history book from Amazon

Donate to the Concord Historical Society in the name of a loved one

Or, for those who live elsewhere in the state, give a gift membership to the California Historical Society.

Really, any of the local historical societies are great sources for unique gifts, anything from books and calendars to tours and memorabilia.  Check them out.