The 2015 Ed Kinney Speaker Series presents 
An Evening With...

About the Series

The Ed Kinney Series is a monthly program of historical character portrayals and speakers.  Spend an evening with historic characters such as Mark Twain or Babe Ruth and hear from speakers who are experts in their fields.

Many of the speakers in the series are Chautauquans, a type of historical character performance originating in Chautauqua, New York.  The Chautauquan is in character from the moment they step onto the stage, through a Q & A portion, and finally will step out of character to answer questions that the historic character they portray could not address.

DVDs of select lectures are available for purchase at the Museum on Main Gift Shop.  Special thanks to Michael Bruner of Brogan Video for recording services. 

Who Was Ed Kinney?

Picture
Museum on Main’s annual series is named in honor of former Pleasanton Mayor Mr. Ed Kinney.

Mr. Kinney was a resident of Pleasanton for many years and was a wonderful advocate for the city.   His involvement and service to the city inspired both the Ed Kinney Series and the Ed Kinney Community Patriot Award.  He also served as a Vice-President for the Amador-Livermore Valley Historical Society (Museum on Main).

Mr. Kinney is warmly remembered as the emcee of the parades in the downtown where he would broadcast from the balcony of the Pleasanton Hotel.

Location and Tickets

All lectures in the Ed Kinney Series take place at:
Picture
The Firehouse Arts Center 
4444 Railroad Avenue
Pleasanton, CA 94566
Member Benefits!
Members of Museum on Main receive Lecture Passes for entry to their choice of lectures as well as discounts beyond their passes.  Find out more about Membership Benefits.
Ticketing
Please note: All ticketing for the "An Evening With..." Series is through Museum on Main.
The Firehouse Arts Center Box Office does not handle our ticketing.

$10    General Admission
 $7     Seniors (65+) / Students (with valid ID)
 $5     Members

*MEMBERS WITH LECTURE PASSES: Please note, individual presentation passes received with your membership MUST be exchanged for a ticket to your selected event.  You may call us at (925) 462-2766 to set your tickets aside or come to the Museum on Main in person.  Keep in mind, some events may sell out and there will may be no tickets available at the door to exchange for your passes.

Buy Tickets!
Many of the shows in the An Evening with... series sell out.  Tickets may be available at the event subject to availability.  Cash, check, Visa and MasterCard accepted.
Online 
Click Here to Purchase tickets Online
Tickets purchased online will be available for pick up at Will Call in the lobby of the Firehouse Arts Center on the evening of the event.
By Phone
Charge tickets by phone at (925) 462-2766.
Tickets purchased by phone will be available for pick up at Will Call in the lobby of the Firehouse Arts Center on the evening of the event. Visa and Mastercard accepted.
In Person
Buy your tickets At Museum on Main during regular operating hours. Cash, check, Visa or Mastercard accepted.

An Evening with Howard Hughes
Tuesday, January 13th, 7pm

Eighty years since setting a transcontinental airspeed record, American aviator, business tycoon, inventor, and filmmaker Howard Hughes, remains an iconic American figure.  Heir to his family’s fortune, Hughes led an eccentric life, building the massive H-4 Hercules (also known as the Spruce Goose) and stepping into in the Hollywood spotlight.  The aviator is portrayed by Nevada director, playwright, and theater director Brian Kral.

An Evening with Pleasanton Historian Ken MacLennan
Tuesday, February 10th, 7pm

Join us for a new look at an old story with Ken MacLennan, Museum on Main Curator and author of Pleasanton, California: A Brief History by History Press.  MacLennan provides an insightful review of local history from the eve of the Spanish invasion of California to the turn of the 21st century including rarely seen photographs.  Books will be available for purchase at the event and MacLennan will sign copies following the talk. 

An Evening with Hearst Castle Historian Victoria Kastner
Tuesday, March 10th, 7pm

Journey to the Pacific palace of William Randolph Hearst with Victoria Kastner, historian for the California State Park of Hearst Castle since 1979.  In this very special speaking engagement, Kastner shares her knowledge and appreciation for the architecture, landscaping, and the many people involved in the property, from its owner William Randolph Hearst, to architect Julia Morgan, and it’s many guests.  Kastner will also address the Pleasanton connection to the Hearst family.

An Evening with A Rebel Soldier
Tuesday, April 21st, 7pm

Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the close of the Civil War and the disbanding of Confederate troops, including Mosby's Rangers, Fred Rutledge takes the stage as a Confederate Cavalryman.   Rutledge shares the tactics, weapons, and equipment of the time.  He will also relate anecdotes and stories about the men and women who fought on both sides of this bloodiest of American wars.

An Evening with Susan B. Anthony
Tuesday, May 12th, 7pm

Susan B. Anthony’s name is synonymous with activism, including the anti-slavery movement, education reform, women’s equal pay for equal work, and perhaps most notably women’s right to vote.  Taking the stage as Susan B. Anthony, former actress and journalist, Suzan Gallerito addresses the achievements and personal life of the American icon.

An Evening with Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Tuesday, June 9th, 7pm

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as F.D.R., takes a look back at his accomplishments as an American statesman and political leader who served as the 32nd President of the United States.  Peter M. Small, a former educator, has portrayed historical characters, including F.D.R., for audiences nationwide.  The only thing you have to fear is not getting a ticket to this show!

An Evening with Laura Ingalls Wilder
Tuesday, July 14th, 7pm

Born in 1867, the name Laura Ingalls Wilder brings to mind life in the big woods, in a little house on the prairie, and on the banks of plum creek.  The American author’s books have spanned generations, taught us about pioneer life, and inspired the 1970s-1980s television show Little House on the Prairie.  Judith Helton portrays Wilder in this one-woman program presented by arrangement with the Little House Heritage Trust. 

An Evening with Andrew Carnegie
Tuesday, August 11th, 7pm

A rags-to-riches story, Scottish-born Andrew Carnegie, emigrated with his poor family to the United States in 1848 and by 1901 Carnegie sold his steel company for $480 million.  At the time of his death, Carnegie had given away almost 90 percent of his fortune to charities and foundations.  The steel mogul is portrayed by actor and professor Doug Mishler.

 

An Evening with The Harringtons &
Pleasanton Public Art
Tuesday, September 8th, 7pm

In September we invite Gary and Nancy Harrington, benefactors of public art in Pleasanton, to discuss the many public artworks in the community.  These include “Poppies” at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, “Girl Reading” in front of the Pleasanton Public Library, and the already popular “Pioneer Founders,” a large scale mural installed on Main Street in 2014.  The Harringtons will share the stories behind many public art pieces around the city and the artists, including those in the Harrington Art Partnership, a 10-year public art acquisition and installation program.

An Evening with Harry Houdini
Tuesday, October 20th, 7pm

The audience will be memorized by Broadway and television actor Duffy Hudson as he takes the stage as illusionist and magic mastermind, Harry Houdini.  Hungarian-American born illusionist and stunt performer, Houdini is best known for his sensational escape acts, including handcuffs, ropes slung from skyscrapers, and a straitjacket under water.  Hudson, as Houdini, will bring to life the personal side of Houdini, including his ventures into film and aviation.
For more information on the Ed Kinney Series or speakers taking part in the series, contact
Jennifer Amiel, Director of Education at (925) 462-2766 or education@museumonmain.org.