How the Concord Historical Society works to keep the past alive

"The variety and rigor required to run a classroom has translated directly to volunteer work. In addition to rotating exhibits and permanent displays inside its museum, the Concord Historical Society hosts film screenings, author readings, speakeasy pop-ups and open house tours. The nonprofit also makes home visits, Van Tassell said, where they've been invited to give neighbors and retirees private history lessons tailored to where they live."

"Van Tassell's mission echoes the work of Ruth Galindo, one of the Concord Historical Society's founders and a fourth-generation resident of the city that's now preserved inside her childhood home. Galindo, who died in 1999, was the last direct descendant of Concord's founding father. She was also a Spanish teacher at Mount Diablo High School in 1971, Van Tassell said, when she became one of the loudest voices among residents who "decided it was important to celebrate that Concord history. My goal is to continue that and keep it going forward.""

Gail Van Tassell retired from teaching but remains active as a volunteer at the Concord Historical Society to continue learning and stay connected to the community. She applies classroom rigor to manage rotating exhibits, permanent displays, film screenings, author readings, speakeasy pop-ups and open house tours. The nonprofit conducts home visits to provide private history lessons tailored to neighborhoods. Van Tassell's mission aligns with founder Ruth Galindo's efforts to preserve local heritage and celebrate Concord history. The society relied only on pandemic-era federal stimulus funds, so it must pursue local funding and creative approaches to expand collections and reflect community diversity.

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