On Friday, April 30, Curator of History Michele Nielsen will lead a walking tour at the Asistencia in Redlands at 1pm. This curatorial walk is open to public and free of charge.
A San Bernardino County Museum historic site, the Asistencia was built in the 1930s near the location of the original estancia of the Mission San Gabriel using local, State Emergency Relief Administration, and Works Progress Administration funds. It was completed in 1937. In 1960, it was dedicated as California State Historical Landmark #42 as an outstanding example of handcrafted structures of the WPA era. It became a popular car touring destination, and is a part of California's interesting history of blending the old and new, legend and reality.
“During the walk, we will have a chance to examine some of the fine details of the buildings, created by expert craftspeople on site,” said Nielsen. “Some of the construction techniques and materials, as well as decorative elements are made from recycled or easily renewable resources. These buildings were ‘green’ before their time! As a part of the tour, visitors can examine documentation and photographs related to the building project, and step back in time as we talk about why and how this enduring historic and tourist destination was created, and how Depression era programs made a lasting mark on our landscape.”
The Asistencia is located at 26930 Barton Road in Redlands. No admission fee is charged. For more information, call (909) 307-2669 ext. 240, or visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.
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