Museum on Main Announces 2015 Speakers Schedule for an Evening With...

Museum on Main announces performers and speakers for the highly anticipated 2015 Ed Kinney Speaker Series An Evening With... at the Firehouse Arts Center beginning in January.

“People have been clamoring to find out who will be visiting Pleasanton for the 2015 Speaker Series,” says Director of Education for Museum on Main and the coordinator for the speaker series, Jennifer Amiel. “We have an exciting line-up for 2015, including actors portraying famous historical individuals such as aviator Howard Hughes, women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony, 32nd President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, pioneer author Laura Ingalls Wilder, and more. We also have scholarly speakers such as the historian from Hearst Castle Victoria Kastner coming to Pleasanton.”

Going into its fifth year of monthly performances at the Firehouse Arts Center attendance has grown significantly for the An Evening with... speaker series. And with six of the ten shows selling out in 2014, the museum encourages individuals to get their tickets in advance.

“We are thrilled with the turn out of the community with nearly 2,000 attendees last year. The community has warmly embraced the performance style known as Chautauqua,” Amiel noted. “For many it has been their first experience with this type of performance style. The actor steps onto the stage as a historical figure, performs a monologue, then accepts questions as the character. It’s really quite fun and a wonderful way to engage with historical personalities outside of a book.”

The 2015 An Evening With... Schedule:

An Evening with Howard Hughes

Tuesday, January 13th, 7pm

Eighty years since setting a transcontinental airspeed record, American aviator, business tycoon, inventor, and filmmaker Howard Hughes, remains an iconic American figure. Heir to his family’s fortune, Hughes led an eccentric life, building the massive H-4 Hercules (also known as the Spruce Goose) and stepping into in the Hollywood spotlight. The aviator is portrayed by director, playwright, and theatre director Brian Kral.

An Evening with Pleasanton Historian Ken MacLennan

Tuesday, February 10th, 7pm

Join us for a new look at an old story with Ken MacLennan, Pleasanton historian and author of Pleasanton, California: A Brief History by History Press. MacLennan provides an insightful review of local history from the eve of the Spanish invasion of California to the turn of the 21st century including rarely seen photographs. Books will be available for purchase at the event and MacLennan will sign copies following the talk.

An Evening with Hearst Castle Historian Victoria Kastner

Tuesday, March 10th, 7pm

Journey to the Pacific palace of William Randolph Hearst with Victoria Kastner, historian for the California State Park of Hearst Castle since 1979. In this very special speaking engagement, Kastner shares her knowledge and appreciation for the architecture, landscaping, and the many people involved in the property, from its owner William Randolph Hearst, to architect Julia Morgan, and it’s many guests. Kastner will also address the Pleasanton connection to the Hearst family.

An Evening with A Rebel Soldier

Tuesday, April 21st, 7pm

Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the close of the Civil War and the disbanding of Confederate troops, including Mosby’s Rangers, Fred Rutledge takes the stage as a Confederate Cavalryman. Rutledge shares the tactics, weapons, and equipment of the time. He will also relate anecdotes and stories about the men and women who fought on both sides of this bloodiest of American wars.

An Evening with Susan B. Anthony

Tuesday, May 12th, 7pm

Susan B. Anthony’s name is synonymous with activism, including the anti-slavery movement, education reform, women’s equal pay for equal work, and perhaps most notably women’s right to vote. Taking the stage as Susan B. Anthony, former actress and journalist, Suzan Gallerito, addresses the achievements and personal life of the American icon.

An Evening with Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Tuesday, June 9th 7pm

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as F.D. R., takes a look back at his accomplishments as an American statesman and political leader who served as the 32nd President of the United States. Peter M. Small, a former educator, has portrayed historical characters, including F.D.R., for audiences nationwide. The only thing you have to fear is not getting a ticket to this show!

An Evening with Laura Ingalls Wilder

Tuesday, July 14th, 7pm

Born in 1867, the name Laura Ingalls Wilder brings to mind life in the big woods, in a little house on the prairie, and on the banks of plum creek. The American author’s books have spanned generations, taught us about pioneer life, and inspired the 1970s-1980s television show Little House on the Prairie. Judith Helton portrays Wilder in this one-woman program presented by arrangement with the Little House Heritage Trust.

An Evening with Andrew Carnegie

Tuesday, August 11th, 7pm

A rags-to-riches story, Scottish-born Andrew Carnegie, emigrated with his poor family to the United States in 1848 and by 1901 Carnegie sold his steel company for $480 million. At the time of his death, Carnegie had given away almost 90 percent of his fortune to charities and foundations. The steel mogul is portrayed by actor and professor Doug Mishler.

An Evening with The Harringtons & The Pleasanton Art Partnership

Tuesday, September 8th, 7pm

In September we invite Gary and Nancy Harrington, benefactors of public art in Pleasanton, to discuss the many artworks in the community. These include “Poppies” at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, “Girl Reading” in front of the Pleasanton Public Library, and the already popular “Pioneer Founders,” a large scale mural installed on Main Street in 2014. The Harringtons will share the stories behind many public art pieces around the city and the artists, including those in the Harrington Art Partnership, a 10-year public art acquisition and installation program.

An Evening with Harry Houdini

Tuesday, October 20th, 7pm

The audience will be memorized by Broadway and television actor Duffy Hudson as he takes the stage as illusionist and magic mastermind, Harry Houdini. Hungarian-American born illusionist and stunt performer, Houdini is best known for his sensational escape acts, including handcuffs, ropes slung from skyscrapers, and a straitjacket under water. Hudson, as Houdini, will bring to life the personal side of Houdini, including his ventures into film and aviation.

All events are general seating at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue, Pleasanton, CA 94566. Tickets are $10 General Admission, $7 Seniors (65+) / Students (with valid ID), $5 Members. Tickets may be purchased online at www.museumonmain.org, at Museum on Main during regular operating hours or by phoning the museum at (925) 462-2766. Tickets purchased by phone and online will be available for pick up at Will Call in the lobby of the Firehouse Arts Center on the evening of the event. Tickets may be available at the event subject to availability. Cash, check, Visa and MasterCard accepted.

For more information on the Ed Kinney Speakers Series visit www.museumonmain.org or phone Museum on Main at (925) 462-2766.

Photos: Judith Helton as Laura Ingalls Wilder; Brian Kral will portray Aviator Howard Hughes; Duffy Hudson will portray illusionist Harry Houdini.

The Museum on Main is located at 603 Main Street in historic downtown Pleasanton. It is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Sunday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. For more information about current exhibits and programs, visit the Museum’s web site at www.museumonmain.org or call (925)462-2776.

Information submitted by Museum on Main