SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MUSEUM

 

                          Date:      September 27, 2012

Contact:                 Jennifer Reynolds, Media Specialist • (909) 307-2669 ext. 278 • jreynolds@sbcm.sbcounty.gov

                                Michele Nielsen, Curator of History • (909) 307-2669 ext. 240 • mnielsen@sbcm.sbcounty.gov

For release: Immediately

Event date: Friday, October 5, 2012

 

Architectural walking tour at Asistencia

 

San Bernardino County Museum Curator of History Michele Nielsen will lead a walking tour of the Asistencia in Redlands on Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. The presentation will explore the architectural treasures of this historic site, which is part of the San Bernardino County Museum and is registered as California State Historical Landmark #42. The walking tour and informative talk is free and open to the public.

 

“Come and find out more about this fascinating set of buildings, their construction, and the wonderful architectural style they represent,” said Nielsen. “The Asistencia buildings we see today were completed in the 1930s using local, state and federal funding. Many of us have heard of the WPA—the Works Progress Administration—but we don’t know that much about it. As a part of our discussion of the site, we will delve into the importance of programs like this one and others that resulted in funding for work that benefited the public. In so many cases, we are still benefiting today from what was accomplished over seventy years ago.”

 

Components of the buildings, from the bell tower to the roofing material, and even the artifacts in the chapel, have a story to tell. Nielsen will also share historic documents and photographs to explain more about the construction techniques used to create the historic site. “The Asistencia is a showcase of design details, featuring hand-made elements,” said Nielsen. “The artisans who created everything from the roof tiles to the wrought iron accents and the fresco style mural have a place in the history of this site, and their contributions will be explored, too.”

 

The Asistencia is located at 26930 Barton Road in Redlands. 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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