Phone: 916-685-8115

E-Mail: eghs@elkgrovehistoricalsociety.com

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 562, Elk Grove, CA 95759

Elk Grove Historical Society

November Board Elections

The 2024 Nomination Committee is happy to introduce their candidates for the six elected Board of Director positions for the 2025 calendar year. The election vote count and results announcement will take place at the museum on

Monday, November 25th at 6:00 pm.

Ballots were sent to every member of the society in the newsletter. Mail the filled out ballot by Wednesday, November 20th to the Elk Grove Historical Society, P.O. Box 562, Elk Grove, CA. 95757 or hand carry them to the museum on the 25^th to be counted.

Please join us for the vote count, cake, and hot apple cider!

The following is the slate of candidates for the six elected Officer Positions on the Board of Directors of the Elk Grove Historical Society for 2025:

Candidate for President: 

Bret Bartholomew

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bret Bartholomew is a seventh-generation resident of the Elk Grove area, deeply committed to preserving local history and fostering community connections. As a dedicated community leader and volunteer, Bret is involved with numerous local organizations, including the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce and the Cosumnes Community Services District’s Partners for Parks program. He also oversees community relations at Bartholomew Family Vineyards, home to Christopher Cellars.

With a background in community outreach, brand marketing, and event management, Bret brings a wealth of experience to his role in supporting the Elk Grove Historical Society. He is passionate about preserving Elk Grove’s heritage while promoting the city’s rich history through engaging events and activities. Bret’s dedication makes him an invaluable asset to the Society’s mission of connecting residents to the stories and legacy of the area.

Candidate for 1st Vice-President:

Michael Vargas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael Vargas earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Southern California in 2008, a graduate degree from the University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education in 2010, and a law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School in 2013. Michael is a member of the Elk Grove Unified Board of Education in California, representing Trustee Area 2. He assumed office on December 9, 2022, and his term runs through to December 11, 2026. He specializes in multi-million dollar corporate finance transactions, mergers, and acquisitions. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the Santa Clara University School of Law, where he teaches courses in business law, business organizations, corporate law, corporate transactions, and startup law. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, where he teaches employment and civil rights law. Michael enjoys serving the community and often volunteers for the Historical Society for their many fundraisers. He thinks he can contribute even more to the society as a  board member.

Candidate for 2nd Vice-President:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I moved to Elk Grove in 1994 and became a member of the Historical Society in 2008. Since joining I have held the following positions: Currently the Assistant Treasurer, formerly an Assistant Archivist, Newsletter Editor, Webmaster, Publisher, 1^st Vice President and President.  I have also been a frequent room decorator and responsible for many historical displays in the ballroom, as well as decorator for the Spring Tea several times.  As Publisher, I was co-author on the cookbook, “Tasty Memories”, the historical publications of “Jared Dixon Sheldon & William Henry Daylor, California Pioneers”, and “Alexander Hamilton Willard & The Lewis & Clark Expedition”.  I created the Historical Society website and Facebook page.  I also created our online store, Heritage Park Treasurers and ran the store for a while, plus I was instrumental in setting up our system to take credit cards. I have also created programs and flyers for many events.”

“I retired from the University of California in 2014 after 30 years of service.  I held the position of Administrator for the Violence Prevention Research Program with a payroll title of Analyst IV.”

Candidate for Recording Secretary:

Pam Phelps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I have been an active member of the Elk Grove Historical Society for many years participating as a docent, decorating for both Halloween and Christmas, and supporting many of our fundraising events. My twenty-three years as a bi-lingual teacher afforded me not only the rewards of educating students, but allowed me the opportunity to team with other educators – both those I worked with as well as CSUS professors- to develop a Spanish-English immersion K-8 school in the Sacramento area.  I served on the Board of Language Academy representing staff for two 3-year terms.  During this tenure I held the offices of Treasurer and Secretary.  I also sat on the Finance Committee for the fifteen years I worked at the school.  I retired two years ago. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the Elk Grove Historical Society and participating in its governance.  Thank you for this opportunity.”

Candidate for Corresponding Secretary:

Pat Lake

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I have lived in California since age three (I was born in Germany; my father was in the Air Force).  My husband Stan and I moved to Elk Grove after we both retired.  I spent 37 years working for the State with several agencies/locations – including the Employment Development Department, CAL FIRE, and PERS.  Throughout my life I have enjoyed serving with community service organizations – “Cuddling Bears” day-care-center, the Assistance League, and Meals-on-Wheels among others.  I am currently the Vice-President of the Gardeners of the Grove and Secretary of the Communications Committee for the Glenbrooke Community in Elk Grove.  My love for history and community involvement led me to joining the Elk Grove Historical Society.  Since March, I have been serving as the Corresponding Secretary.  It is my desire to continue in that position for the coming year.”

Candidate for Treasurer:

Jeanette Lawson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Along with her family, Jeannette has been an Elk Grove resident for many years, a long time member of the Elk Grove Historical Society, a retired elementary school teacher, and genealogy researcher. She has served as a society member volunteer for several years, many of those on the Board of Directors in the office of Treasurer. While she hopes each year someone else might step up to take the Treasurer position, she must be doing a good job because no one does.  She has been an active volunteer with the society and instigated several fundraiser events including the Halloween themed Haunted House, the Black Tie and Santa gala, and the annual Old Fashion Christmas. She is willing to serve another term as Treasurer of the society and hopes someone else will express an interest. 

Next Events at the museum:

Tickets are on sale now, but space is limited, so get yours soon.  Tickets will be sent via US Mail.

 

 

Volunteering

Do you have a little time on your hands and want to help out at your own pace and when you are available, give us a call. Everybody at the Elk Grove Historical Society volunteers at many levels and we always have a lot of things going on (see below). The key is we appreciate any help. Contact our volunteer coordinator Pat Lake and she can help you find your interest at (951) 377-3312 cel or stanpatlake@gmail.com. We have a great bunch of people to work with and we have a lot of fun.

Speakers Series

The Historical Society hosts eight 1-hour long history presentations a year and they are always on the third Monday evening of the month, at 6:30 pm at the Presbyterian Church at 8153 Elk Grove Boulevard. See list on the Menu under “SPEAKER SERIES.”

 

Annual Events

The Elk Grove Historical Society hosts, supports and/or partners with SEVEN specific events through the year. See list on Menu under “Annual Events.”

 

First Saturday and Virtual Museum Tours

The Museum (Heritage Park) and Rhoads School are open for FREE tours every first Saturday of each month (February through October) from noon to 4:00 pm (Rhoads School 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm) or upon request. We close in November to get ready for our “Old Fashioned Christmas” event.

We also have made a short six minute virtual tour video to give you an idea on what you may experience when you visit.

Click here to view video

If at anytime you would like a personal tour of the museums other than on 1st Saturday, please contact Dinah Withrow at (916) 204-4656 or dinahcct@comcast.net and we will schedule a tour with you.

Tom Russell Research Center

The Elk Grove Historical Society has become the history research center of Elk Grove and has spent many years gathering, collecting, and organizing information of the area. We have ten file drawers of local family sir names and there are other files labeled Churches, Schools, Cemeteries, Organizations, Clubs, Businesses, Events, Places, Elk Grove, Local Cities, etc. We have the entire collection of Elk Grove High School yearbooks from the very first issued in 1912. Also, we are fortunate to have the entire Elk Grove Citizen newspaper archives. Plus, we have a huge variety of books in the library on a multitude of topics, including the Donner Party, the Miwok, Railroads, and Genology, to name just a few.

The whole purpose is to allow the community access to our history. If you want to search our files, just call and make a two hour appointment and peruse the subject matter at will. We have a copy machine at 25 cents a copy. Call the museum and leave a message at (916) 685-8115 or eghs@elkgrovehistoricalsociety.com and we will call back and set up a time to visit. Or you can call Louis Silveira at (916) 682-1335 or lssilveira@comcast.net who gladly accommodate and set up a meeting.

Enjoy. Thank you.