Tune in to hear the story of Arcadia Bandini, whose vision and generosity transformed the landscape of Santa Monica for generations to come.
This event is free for both Conservancy and Santa Monica History Museum members and $10 for the general public.
Donate $45 or more and you'll receive a one-year membership and free admission to this and future Mosaic programs.
Live Zoom Event
Sunday, April 30
5 p.m.
The Santa Monica Conservancy and Santa Monica History Museum present Arcadia!
Santa Monica’s iconic Palisades Park allows everyone in the city access to sweeping ocean views, thanks to powerful Mexican landowner, philanthropist and 19th century influencer Arcadia Bandini.
On Sunday, April 30, from 5-6 p.m., Bandini will be the subject of the Conservancy’s first Santa Monica Mosaic livestream of 2023, produced in partnership with the Santa Monica History Museum. Tune in for an intimate portrait of Arcadia Bandini, a woman whose name would have been known to everyone in Southern California during her lifetime.
The virtual Zoom program will feature presentations by Bandini’s own great-great-nephew, Ricardo Bandini Johnson, and Nina Fresco, local historian and Conservancy Board member. Fresco will give an overview of Bandini’s life and importance to the region, while Bandini Johnson will offer a more personal view of his relative’s life and legacy. Both presentations will be illustrated by an array of exclusive photos from the History Museum and Bandini Foundation.
Born into a prominent Californio family in 1827, Bandini lived to see her Ranchero-era Alta California transition to American statehood and begin its transformation into the nation’s most populous state. In the history books, Bandini has been overshadowed by her husbands, Abel Stearns and Robert Baker. But she was a powerful force in her own right and one of the richest people in the country when she passed away in her house on Ocean Avenue in 1912. Much of what makes Santa Monica desirable today is due to her stature, generosity, and foresight. (Photo courtesy of the Santa Monica History Museum)
Join us on April 30 to see and hear Arcadia Bandini’s fascinating and inspirational story.
Arcadia is free for both History Museum and Conservancy members, and $10 for the general public. Donate $45 or more and you'll receive a one-year membership and discounts to this and future programs. Please email info@smconservancy if you have any trouble registering.
