The Elk Grove Historical Society is composed of many hard working, fun loving volunteers who enjoy history, love our community, and want to contribute to its growth. Part of our mission is to share the history of our community and that can take many forms, but we also we believe we need to support our community and as a result, it is not uncommon for us to participate in its many aspects. Below we list some of our endeavors to set an example and you are always welcome to join us.
2025
JANUARY
January 22 – Laguna/Sunrise Rotary
Bret (& Louis) gave a power point presentation on the “History of the Elk Grove Historical Society.”
FEBRUARY
February 2 – Key to the City for Jim Trimboli
In Elk Grove if you attain the age 100-years old you earn a Key to the City. Retired Elk Grove High School teacher Jim Tromboli turned 100 and received a Key from the Mayor presented to him at a huge party in his honor at the Elk Grove Park Pavilion. He was nominated by Louis who attended the event.
February 3 – Soroptimist
Jim, Annaclare, and Louis gave a presentation for the Barn Project, the Tom Russell Research Library, and the Bill Cartwright book signing.
February 8 – Discovery Day
The Mormon Church on Elk Grove-Florin and Vintage Park Roads held their annual Discovery Day where they present free all morning classes on ancestry and genealogy. All morning in a large hall are various diverse genealogical organizations consisting of many cultures and locations from the Sacramento region, each sharing their history and helping others find theirs. Louis set up a both explaining the Tom Russell Research Library that is a available and open to the public to peruse our history files. We may have even some interested new members.
February 8 – Mardi Gras
The Uplift non-profit organization which supplies support for those who need help preparing to enter the work force held their annual Mardi Gras celebration fundraiser. A traditional a Cajun style dinner provided by the Lions Club of Elk Grove was served. Fun was had by not only 24 Elk Grove Historical Society members but also 125 more supporters as they bid on the many prizes offered and the table of cakes, cupcakes pies, and many other desserts. There was a costume competition where all the purple, green and gold sparkles, bangles, and wild clothing was flaunted. It was difficult to choose a winner so 2 couples and 1 Cajun beauty win. (Bret Bartholomew and Tina Reiland won). The games were also fun and unusual. First each table was challenged to put important events of the New Orleans Mardi Gras in chronological order starting at the 1500’s. This was so difficult but 2 celebrants succeed in getting it right. Next came the tossing and catching long string of beads around your partner’s neck. Itwas so funny many contestants were totally distracted with nonstop giggling. (Cindy Mahon and Susan Hernandez were partners and managed to catch 5 necklace) The winner had 25 necklaces around her neck. We paused here to the announcement of the winners of the Silent Auction of both the baskets and desserts. Each table won at least 1 cake which was shared by all at the table. EGHS won 5 assorted yummy desserts which was shared among our 3 tables. The last event was dancing. We all joined the New Orleans line dance with everyone parading around as 1 long snake to a rousing When the “Saints Came Walking In.” A fun time was had by all.
February 13 – Sacramento Consortium of Historical Societies
Dr. Bob and Maryellen, leaders of a local Sacramento History Consortium held a Zoom meeting allowing local history organizations a place to meet and discover ways to help each other save and promote local history. Bret and Louis participated as well as many of our friends in other local historical societies, such as Tom Herzog from the Sacramento Delta River group, Dan Tarnasky of Galt, and Kay Barnes of the Orangevale History Project.
February 15 – Carlton Senior Living Tour
Jim & Louis led a 1-2 hour tour of Heritage Park for about eight residents of the Senior Center.
February 21 – Key to the City for Everrett Bradley
In Elk Grove if you attain the age 100-years old you earn a Key to the City. Retired Middle School math teacher Everrett Bradley received a Key at a family private ceremony at his senior assisted living facility in Elk Grove. Louis nominated him but was unable to attend.
February 28 – Ardent Magazine
Louis wrote a history article for Ardent Magazine about local “Sculptor Bruce Carty.” Bruce is the sculptor who created the large Bison and Native American statues at the Steele Realty building in Sheldon. He also created the 11′ Blacksmith statue that is located at our museum.
MARCH
March 8 – Strauss Festival Tea Fundraiser
Jim & Stan attended the Strauss fundraiser in the name of the historical society in support of the organization.
March 13 – Chamber of Commerace Leadership Class
Each year our local Chamber of Commerace offers local businesses a class that teachers them about the community and offers approaches to help their businesses thrive. One all day session is about the history of the community. Bret gave a power point presentation about the history of the community and later the entire class met at Heritage Park for a tour of the museums.