Alcatraz Island: 200 Years on the Rock

51 N. Central Ave (zoom lectures), Campbell CA

17 September, 2021

Description

The Campbell Museums presents Alcatraz Island: 200 Years on the Rock with historian John Martini. Friday, September 17 6pm-7pm $10/ Zoom Link www.campbellmuseums.com/shop Alcatraz Island: 200 Years on the Rock. An illustrated history of Alcatraz Island from its discovery by Spanish explorers through today's status as a world-renown National Park site. The presentation highlights the infamous 1934-1963 era when The Rock was a federal penitentiary, including stories of the island's infamous residents, escape attempts, and its final closure. But John’s talk also covers the island’s little-known early years when it served a Civil War fort, a dreaded military prison, the "Indian Occupation” of 1969 that focused national attention on Native American causes, and the enduring legacy of Alcatraz, especially it's Hollywood mythology. About John Martini John A. Martini is a native San Franciscan and a life-long researcher into the history of California and the American West. He worked as a National Park Ranger for more than twenty-five years at parks around the country including Golden Gate National Recreation Area, USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, and Teddy Roosevelt’s country estate at Sagamore Hill in New York. His published works include Fort Point National Historic Site; Fortress Alcatraz; The Last Missile Site; Fort Baker Through the Years and Sutro’s Glass Palace: The Story of Sutro Baths. After more than 25 years as a ranger, John retired to pursue a career as a writer, historian, researcher, and lecturer. He appears regularly on The History Channel, A&E Network, The Discovery Channel, and PBS specials. He continues to volunteer for the National Park Service, notably on Alcatraz Island and at Fort Cronkhite in Marin County. He lives with his wife Betsy, a recreation therapist, and their large curly dog in Marin County.