In her introductory remarks at the conference “Civil War Lives” this past weekend, co-convener Joan Waugh explained the objective of the presenters: “This conference showcases the importance of individuals—men and women, white and black, soldiers and politicians, unionists and confederates. We want to get at the big issues of the … Continue reading
Whether planning ahead for spring or looking for autumn color to enjoy right now, gardeners will find plenty of inspiration at the Fall Plant Sale this weekend (starting today, Friday). Experts know that the secret to a beautiful garden is to get started in the fall, laying the groundwork for … Continue reading
Jon Verdick, owner of Encanto Farms Nursery in San Diego, will provide an introduction to propagating, growing, caring for, and—above all—enjoying figs, a fruit treasured throughout the world. Free; no reservations required. Friends’ Hall. Jon grows about 500 varieties of figs at his home and maintains the website figs4fun.com, and … Continue reading
The Aerospace History Project at The Huntington Library has taken off. Since 2007, the burgeoning archive documenting the history of the aerospace industry in Southern California has continued to grow. Just two weeks ago, a new exhibition—“Blue Sky Metropolis: The Aerospace Century in Southern California”—opened to highlight about 50 photos, … Continue reading
With the recent death of Patrick Collinson, Regius Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Cambridge, scholarship on the social and political history of early modern England will be much diminished. See his obituary on the website of the Daily Telegraph. But his passing is of local significance in … Continue reading
Orchid fanciers will be making a beeline for The Huntington this weekend (starting today!) for the annual Southland Orchid Show and Sale, where exhibitors from local orchid societies are displaying their best blooms for the benefit of judges and the public alike. In the Botanical Center’s Banta Hall, lush, creatively … Continue reading
Another post in a series about Mr. Huntington’s Garden by the botanical director of The Huntington. Large-scale geological features take time, like millions of years. Natural streams and waterfalls emerge after tens of thousands of years of weathering, erosion, and plant colonization. But if you are in a hurry, a … Continue reading
Philip Connors spends long stretches of every spring and summer alone, on top of a lookout tower in New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness, scanning the horizon for signs of smoke. On Wed. night, Oct. 12, he’ll talk with The Huntington’s Bill Deverell about his book “Fire Season: Field Notes from a Wilderness Lookout.” Continue reading
Just four years after the Wright brothers’ famed first flight at Kitty Hawk, a man in the Sierra foothills of California built a contraption that resembled an airplane. His story inspired Ben Rich, the director of Lockheed’s Skunk Works in the 1970s and ’80s. Continue reading
Ask Frances Dolan if she believes in witches and she’ll likely tell you you’re asking the wrong question. “I’m more interested in how people come to believe what they believe.” In her lecture on Tuesday night, she’ll explain how to evaluate stories of witchcraft in 17th-century England. Continue reading