Upcoming Exhibition

Growing the Future: Farming Families of Marin
February 2009 – January 2010

Opens Friday, February 13
Click here for opening details and related program information

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 will engage visitors in the history of farming in Marin as well as connect them to the contemporary stories of farmers today. The exhibition will be on view at the Boyd Gate House from February 13, 2009 through January 2010.

In partnership with the Falkirk Cultural Center, a collection of farm family portraits by Ken Smith will be on display in the Falkirk galleries:
The Fine Art of Marin Agriculture:
Landscape and Portrait Photography by Ken Smith
January 23 – March 12, 2009
Mon – Fri: 1 am – 5pm / Saturdays: 10 am – 1pm
Location: Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission at E Street, San Rafael

For more information on educational programs for schools and group tours, please contact Kelly Brisbois, Curator of Education, at kelly@marinhistory.org. If you have items or photographs to loan for this exhibition, please contact Holly Gallagher, Curatorial Assistant, at holly@marinhistory.org.

Oral Histories

Kevin Lunny of Drakes Bay Family Farms is interviewed by Kelly Brisbois, Curator of Education, 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. 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.

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.