Benicia Historical Society upcoming events

Board of Directors Meeting (September 14, 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 02:00:00 GMT

History Corner @ The Farmer's Market (September 24, 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Come visit us and the Museum of History Benicia every 4th Thursday at the Benicia Farmer's Market!

Back in the Day: Old-Timers' Stories (September 27, 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Several of our local "old-timers," including former Mayor and current Society historian Jerry Hayes, past Society president Bonnie Silveira, Ruth Workman, Stephanie Bray, Linda Watson, Sharon Van Blaricom, Bob and Anne Haberstock will tell stories from their lives growing up in Benicia. Moderated by Society Vice President, Terrence Bennett.

Presented in collaboration with the Benicia Public Library.

RSVP not required but helpful. Seats can fill up quickly, please plan to arrive early if you want to be seated.

Von Pfister Adobe Pop Up (October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Come by and see the Von Pfister Adobe! This pop up history event is being put on in partnership with the City of Benicia and Phil Joy Housemoving. The City will be lowering the tent that currently protects the building so that it can be viewed during the event. Society historian, Jerry Hayes, will be available along with other other Society members to share the history of the Adobe and it's significance in both Benicia and California history.

Board of Directors Meeting (October 19, 2026)

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

History Corner @ The Farmer's Market (October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

Come visit us and the Museum of History Benicia every 4th Thursday at the Benicia Farmer's Market!

Lingering Spirits of First Street Walk (November 06, 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Walk the haunted heart of Benicia’s First Street with the Society & The Benicia Capitol Speaker Toastmasters for our 3rd annual historic ghost walk. From eerie encounters at the Wolves Café and the whispering halls of the Fischer–Hanlon House to the mischievous ghosts of Captain Blyther’s Restaurant and the eternal lovers of the Union Hotel, this tour blends chills, humor, and history into one unforgettable night — proving that in Benicia, history doesn’t haunt… it just hangs around.

Tickets are $25.

The walk will be approximately 90 minutes of walking and standing. Check is at the Historic Train Depot (90 First St.). Please dress warmly and wear good walking shoes. Tickets may be transferred but all sales are final. Please email beniciahistoricalsociety@gmail.com with questions, changes, or issues.

Board of Directors Meeting (November 16, 2026)

Tue, 17 Nov 2026 03:00:00 GMT

The Historic Holiday Home Tour (December 10, 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 02:00:00 GMT

We're back with another amazing home tour this year. See six beautiful historic homes on one incredible holiday night. We'll be sharing more information, including this year's featured homes, starting in October.

The Home Tour is the Society’s largest annual fundraiser. Proceeds support our free public programming and our ongoing work to preserve, share, and celebrate Benicia’s history.

Please consider becoming a Member today! In addition to discounted tickets, membership also includes access to member-only events like our Holiday Party & Annual Members Meeting on December 13th, discounted pricing on our 2027 Historic Benicia Coloring Book Calendar, and more.

Questions or issues? Please email beniciahistoricalsociety@gmail.com or call us at (707) 749-0077.

Holiday Party & Annual Members Meeting (December 13, 2026)

Mon, 14 Dec 2026 02:00:00 GMT

Join us from 6pm - 8pm on Sunday, December 13th for a free evening of merriment, food and drink for our Members. The Society will be hosting a raffle and silent auction as well as our annual Benicia trivia contest!

This will also be the Society's annual general membership meeting. We will be holding board elections and discussing the Society's plans for 2027.

P.S. This is a Members only event, if your membership has lapsed or is about to expire, please consider renewing today. We will also be accepting dues (and new member sign ups!) at the door. You can login to your member profile to check your membership status or email us at beniciahistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Testimonios: Early California through the Eyes of Women, 1815-1848 (March 21, 2027)

Sun, 21 Mar 2027 21:00:00 GMT

Award-winning authors Rose Marie Beebe and Robert Senkewicz return with another thrilling talk! Testimonios: Early California through the Eyes of Women, 1815-1848 presents thirteen women’s firsthand accounts from the days when California was part of Spain and Mexico.

When in the early 1870s historian Hubert Howe Bancroft sent interviewers out to gather oral histories from the pre-statehood gentry of California, he did not count on one thing: the women. When the men were not available, the interviewers collected the stories of the women of the household—sometimes almost as an afterthought. These interviews were eventually archived at the University of California, Berkeley though many were all but forgotten.

The popular picture of California during the Mexican era (1821-1848) often tends to be romanticized. The place is presented as a “lotus land” arena of dancers, rodeos, gallant caballeros, and fetching señoritas. However, California was a rough frontier. Life on the missions and in the ranchos could be harsh and demanding. Having lived through the gold rush and seen their country change so drastically, these thirteen women understood the need to tell the full story of the people and the places that were their California.