Colombia has the largest concentration of birds not only in the Americas, but in the world.There are at least 2000 species,and growing. It is also a very large country with an area the size of California and Texas combined. There is also a wide assortment of habitats. The three spines of the Andes through the country from south to north contribute to abundant speciation. Our Fall 2022 trip was our third time in the country. The first trip segment was to the west, the second segment the central valley and highlands, and the last trip segment was to Mitu in the far SE along the border with Brazil. This is the "white sands" - an artifact of a bygone era in Earth's geologic history before the Andes formed when this area was the Pacific coast. Geologically, it is very old. There are many ancient granitic exposures that are part of the Guina Shield - with some of the earliest rock and mineral deposits on the planet. Major river systems are found here that feed the mighty Amazon River. There is a wealth of species to be found if you are fortunate enough to visit between rains, like John did. Come join us for a lecture to learn about Colombia and its beautiful birds.

About Our Speaker
John Richardson received degrees in Biology and History. His curiosity and inquisitive nature prepared him well to study how our species interacts with biodiversity. He is interested in landscapes and disadvantaged countries where the environment is at risk. John captures images of birds, reptiles, mammals, amphibians and insects. Watch it HERE.

This presentation shares the background and history of the two archaeological sites that Bobby has had the privilege of working on. He will share what his own experience was at the Campo della Fiera Field School in Orvieto, Italy in 2018, and his experience at the Mt. Lykaion Excavation and Archaeological Survey in 2022. At both locations Bobby worked as a Trench Assistant in the summer months under the direction of both American and local experts. The goal of this presentation is to demystify some of the work being done to research the ancient Mediterranean world, and share the challenges and benefits of working as an archaeologist in a different country.

About Our Speaker, Bobby Gamba
Bobby Gamba graduated in 2020 from the University of Arizona with a degree in classics and anthropology, with a focus on Classical Archaeology. He has field experience in both Italy and Greece, as well as anthropological research through the International Traditional Knowledge Institute in Tucson, Arizona, and Arcadia, Greece. He is currently a volunteer at MOAH as a docent, and works as a Collections Catalog Assistant at Filoli Historic House and Garden.

In relation to our newest exhibition, Hot Stuff and Cool Ideas: Vintage Heating and Cooling Inventions, MOAH's own Exhibit and Operations Manager is giving a lecture on the history and methods of preserving food. Michelle will discuss the variety of ways one can preserve food and how these methods came to be. She'll specifically focus on the different ways to preserve food using hot and cold temperatures. Michelle Fabian is a Palo Alto native and has worked at MOAH for over three years. Michelle has her master's degree in History and enjoys gaining new knowledge. She currently lives in Monterey County and will highlight some fun facts about Monterey's canning industry during her lecture. Watch the lecture HERE.

Adam and Simone Williams have been members of BayLUG, the Bay Area LEGO Users Group, for 7 years. They are key leaders in the club, including managing the holiday show at MOAH. They are known in the Bay Area for their custom architectural and landscape creations with moving elements, including this year's jungle volcano. Adam and Simone will share their experience in the LEGO hobby, including their past and present creations, tips and tricks about the craft, and general information about BayLUG and the Adult Fans of LEGO community. This lecture will be virtual and conducted on Zoom webinar. Watch the lecture HERE

After nearly 30 years Jamis and Margaret MacNiven retired from the day to day operations at Buck's Restaurant of Woodside

Buck's has been taken over by the three MacNiven boys who have kept the interior. Jamis thought that at the end of his tenure he might have to sell the collection of artifacts but who would buy such stuff? Much of it is pretty firmly nailed down and it wouldn't mean much out of context. So last year he realized he might be able to sell a photo of his collection and still keep the items. He did it and it sold for an astounding sum. Join Jamis as he will lead you on a virtual tour of the Buck's collection and reveal what the NFT sold for. Watch the lecture HERE

Join Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) president Jim Wall online when he presents some of the weird, unusual, and cringe worthy artifacts from the museum collection and beyond. What is it that makes something disturbing, terrifying, or just makes us uncomfortable? A wide ranging talk spanning vintage advertisements to physical artifacts from the museum collection. Take this opportunity to find out about some of the world's most disturbing medical artifacts and the history behind them. Watch the lecture HERE

The iris was beloved by two remarkable Palo Alto women, Dora Williams and Elizabeth Gamble. Learn how their passion for these stately, fragrant flowers became the signature of their gardens nearly a century ago and how we continue to enjoy them today. Join Betsy Fryberger for a fascinating look at the historic Williams garden on Homer Avenue which features many bearded iris introduced in the 1930s. In her talk, she will share photos and try to answer the question, "Did Dora Williams and Elizabeth Gamble know each other?" This program is co-hosted by Gamble Garden, The Woman's Club of Palo Alto, and The Museum of American Heritage.

Betsy Fryberger, former curator of prints and drawings at the Cantor Museum at Stanford, is an avid gardener who is especially interested in historic gardens. She has been a dedicated volunteer in the garden for many years at both The Museum of American Heritage (MOAH) and the Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden. Watch the lecture HERE.