Castro Valley history museum excites new generation
Everyone who lives in California is familiar with the basic story of California. Likewise, everyone who grew up in Castro Valley’s schools has a very basic understanding of how it came to be. But to truly understand its history from a deeper level, you need to find its most complete texts and see its most notable objects and events for yourself. Luckily, Castro Valley has its very own history museum at 20395 San Miguel Ave. in the Adobe Center until Nov. 29.
Lucille Lorge, author of the Castro Valley history book, “Castro Valley (CA) (Images of America),” graciously allowed her own collection of objects from Castro Valley’s history, things that were used in the daily life of those who lived here over 100 years ago, to be viewed by the public during the time that the museum is open.
Posterboards with information line the room spanning everything from many significant families, schools, businesses, and parades to the Gold Rush and bootlegging. At the center of the room is a projector with videos and presentations, many of which were donated clips from important moments in Castro Valley, like parades or the opening of buildings.
“What attracted me to it is that my family’s been here for six generations. I think it’s important to preserve. I think we need to always remember our past is really important because it helps — it helps create a community. It’s community building to be able to share history,” said President of the Castro Valley History Museum Randy Vanderbilt, when asked what attracts him to Castro Valley’s history and why it’s important to maintain it.
The favorite exhibited person among many of the members is that of A.B. Morris, the first superintendent of Castro Valley Unified School District, and the person who built the kindergarten classroom that would later become the arts center that the museum is located in. You can also learn about him being a volunteer firefighter and planning where to place all of our schools by looking at his exhibit.
“We have a wonderful town. We’re building a nice downtown. You’ve got a lot of rich history here too to explore. We’ve got the lake, we’ve got open space, lots of open spaces. None of the open spaces have changed since we protected those. The lake and East Bay parks are still here that our parents used to enjoy. You know, we’re still enjoying food, the open spaces, the weather; there are so many great things about Castro Valley,” said Vanderbilt on what makes Castro Valley unique and why you should visit to see its history.
Castro Valley’s museum serves as a welcoming place that lets everyone better understand their community and grow closer to it, and that is why it’s well worth the time of a visit to see and experience it before it’s gone.
