News Release Date: February 11, 2013
Contact: Jennifer Reynolds, Media Specialist • (909) 307-2669 ext. 278 • jreynolds@sbcm.sbcounty.gov
Jolene Redvale, Curator of Education • (909) 307-2669 ext. 252 • jredvale@sbcm.sbcounty.gov
For release: Immediately
Event date: Wednesday, February 13
Reading Discoveries at County Museum
Descendants of families revealed in Gerald McFarland’s book A Scattered People will attend the San Bernardino County Museum’s Reading Discoveries discussion on Wednesday, February 13 at 7:30 pm. The program is open to the public and admission is free.
“I was excited to learn that Bruce Ward, a Museum Education Division volunteer and a descendant whose ancestors are described in the book, will attend the discussion this Wednesday,” said Jolene Redvale, curator of education. “In addition, the author’s brother will also attend, coming for the evening from Santa Monica.” McFarland is the son of the final family member, Marguerite McFarland, to be included in the book. She was born in 1900.
The book details the history of five families whose ancestors came from Europe to settle the new North American colonies in the 1670s through 1760s. Many were prominent figures in local and regional politics, as well as business people, farmers, and civic activists. The story is relevant to our area because it follows the trail of the people who eventually came to California.
“It’s always a pleasure to have guests for the discussions,” said Redvale. “People interested in American history, civil war history, the civil rights movement, and the everyday history of people participating in their communities will enjoy the evening with our special guests. As usual, it not necessary to have read the book in order to come and enjoy the discussion.”
The Reading Discoveries book discussion group meets the second Wednesday of each month at the museum. Lifelong learners and lovers of books and reading gather to discuss a book focused on natural history and especially subjects related to California. Discussions range widely and welcome all points of view.
Upcoming discussion dates and book titles are: March 13, Bird Songs of the Mesozoic: A Day Hiker’s Guide to the Nearby Wild by David Brendan; April 10, First Peoples in a New World: Colonizing Ice Age America by David J. Meltzer; and May 8, Common Wealth: Economics for a Crowded Planet by Jeffrey D. Sachs.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Parking is free. For more information, visit
www.sb countymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.
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