Archived Exhibition

Growing the Future: Farming Families of Marin
February 13, 2009 – October 2010

Since the first pioneers arrived to homestead in the mid 1800s, farming has been a way of life in Marin. The county’s climate and topography have created an abundant landscape suited to small, family run farms. Rich grasslands, protected hillsides and cool summers with ocean breezes have provided the perfect grazing for dairy and cattle ranching for over 150 years.

Marin’s farmers were innovators and problem solvers as they faced the many challenges of farm operations. Today’s farmers are equally innovative and their stories are inspiring and diverse.

Growing the Future engages visitors in the history of farming in Marin as well as connects them to the contemporary stories of farmers today.

Press
MoreMarin.com

KSRO/Morning News with David Wesley Page & Curtiss Kim, 8/10/09, Interview with Holly Gallagher, Curatorial Assistant on Growing the Future: Farming Families of Marin Exhibit

Oral Histories

Kevin Lunny of Drakes Bay Family Farms being interviewed at the Marin History Museum. October 2008.

The Museum's exhibition on the history of farming in Marin connects the past with the present through an oral history project with local farmers and ranchers. Audio files, photographs and transcripts will be made available through our website at the completion of this project. In partnership with Dominican University faculty and students, the Museum is documenting these oral histories through the life of the exhibit, including a special project focusing on women in agriculture in the spring of 2009.

Click here for oral histories.

Sponsors

Premier Sponsor
Fenwick Foundation
Margaret E. Haas Fund
Joseph R. Parker Foundation

Major Sponsor
Jones-Smith Foundation
Marin Farmers Markets

Feature Sponsor
Bank of Marin
Marin Charitable Association

Contributing Sponsor
Frank Howard Allen Realtors
George & Jeri Dexter
Dr. & Mrs. Evan C. Evans, III
Kam Shadan - Gannett Fleming, Inc.
Ghilotti Bros, Inc.
Infineon Raceway
Katz Family Foundation
Brian & Laura McLeran
Montecito Plaza Shopping Center
Smith Family - Circle Bar Ranch

Total Raised as of August 2009: $28,000

Milkers at Big Reed Ranch, 1914. This ranch was near present day Bel Air.

Dolcini Ranch viewed from Hicks Valley Road, 2008. (Photo by Ken Smith.)

Kevin Lunny, 3rd generation farmer, describes the operations at Drakes Bay Family Farms (seen in the background), including oyster farming and grass-fed beef cattle operations. October 2008.