All of these recordings of past programs are available free to the public. Please consider making a contribution towards our virtual programming and local history programs.
Recorded Presentations
January 23, 2025
“Preserving Napa’s Legacy: Uncovering the Stories Behind Our Landmarks” with Christine French
Christine Madrid French, Executive Director of Napa County Landmarks, delves into the identification and preservation of Napa County’s most iconic landmarks and structures. Kara Brunzell of the Napa County Landmarks Board and Planning Commissioner serves as moderator. As an addendum to the exhibit, The Valley Beautiful: Architecture, this talk offers unique insights into the history and future of Napa’s architectural treasures.
november 21, 2024
“The Napa Valley LendVest Fraud Scandal” with Raymond Guadagni
Retired Napa County Superior Court judge Raymond A. Guadagni discusses his newest book, The Napa Valley Lendvest Fraud Scandal. Guadagni’s research into the infamous case that started in the 1980s and continued into the 1990s brings a close-up look at the twists and turns that affected hundreds of Napa Valley residents who were victimized by this financial fraud case. The discussion is moderated by retired Superior Court judge Stephen Kroyer.
October 17, 2024
“Henry J. Kaiser Comes to Napa: The Kaiser Steel – Basalt Rock Connection” with Dr. Ric A. Dias
Dr. Ric A. Dias, author of Kaiser Steel of Fontana: Together We Build, presents this discussion of his research and book with moderator Dr. Lucas Wiscons. Kaiser Steel’s story intertwined with Napa’s Basalt Rock Company in the 1950s and became part of Napa’s history for many local families in the postwar era.
may 11, 2024
76th Annual Meeting: Early Napa Resorts with Don Winter
Don Winter, local resort and lodging historian, speaks at the Napa County Historical Society’s 76th Annual Members Meeting on May 11, 2024, in conjunction with NCHS’s exhibit “Destination Napa: Philosophies of Wellness.” He is joined by Liz Alessio as moderator. Video and Music by Ralph DeAmicis.
November 16, 2023
“Behind the Curtain: Creating Exhibits” with Dr. Sheli Smith and Kelly O’Connor
A discussion focused on the creative process behind our Napa County Historical Society exhibits. Executive Director Sheli Smith has five decades of exhibit curation experience and has put forward Napa County Historical Society’s seven most-recent exhibits, since 2020. Joined by NCHS Research Librarian Kelly O’Connor, this presentation highlights the unique challenges and rewards of creating engaging, relevant, and unique exhibits focused on Napa’s rich heritage.
may 13, 2023
75th Annual Members Meeting: Panel Discussion
Following Napa County Historical Society’s 75th Annual Meeting on May 13, 2023, Shannon Kuleto moderated a panel discussion with local historians Nancy Brennan, Diane Dillon, and Scott Sedgley on the future of history and heritage. The discussion was held at the historic Napa Opera House in downtown Napa, now home to the JaM Cellars Ballroom.
April 20, 2023
“Shipyard Acres: Napa’s Lost Suburb” with Jennifer Huffman
Jennifer Huffman, reporter for the Napa Register, shares her research findings on Shipyard Acres, a project spurred by her curiosity about the wartime neighborhood once south of Napa, now the Napa Memorial Cemetery.
february 16, 2023
“Mary Ellen Pleasant” with Cris Eli Blak
Playwright Cris Eli Blak discusses with Dr. Patricia Moonsammy his full-length play about the life of Mary Ellen Pleasant, called the Mother of Civil Rights in California. She came to San Francisco in the 19th century and became a millionaire while advocating for legal and social changes in the city. Despite her financial and social successes, as a Black woman she was in her later years the subject of rumors and defamation. She is buried at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa.
January 19, 2023
“Chinese in Napa Valley” with John McCormick
John McCormick, author of the book “Chinese in Napa Valley: The Forgotten Community that Built Wine Country,” speaks with Jack Jue, Jr. for a Napa County Historical Society guest lecture at the Native Sons Hall on January 19th, 2023. Jack Jue, Jr. is a family historian and author of the blog “Jue Joe Clan History.”