Event: Smith Brothers Fishing in Tomales and Bodega Bays

Friday, November 11 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
In the Red Barn Classroom.

The public was invited to learn about the Smith Brothers fishing company and early commercial fishing industry around Tomales and Bodega Bays. All were welcome and admission is free.

Panel Participants were:

• Gaye LeBaron, well-known regional historian, outlined some of the colorful history of the early commercial fishing industry around Tomales and Bodega Bays, an industry which began with William Smith, the son of Yankee sea captain Stephen Smith and Tsupu, a Coast Miwok Indian woman.
• Young (Pinkie) Smith, whose relatives ran the Smith Brothers fishing company started by his grandfather William Smith, shared memories and photos of his grandparents, aunts and uncles and their century old family business.
• Kathleen Rose Smith, William Smith's great granddaughter, discussed the influence of her marine-based Coast Miwok heritage and her family's fishing heritage on her artwork.

Gaye LeBaron moderated a discussion with panelists and audience members following the presentations.

This event was held in conjunction with "Grounded: A California Indian Life," an exhibition of Kathleen Rose Smith's artwork depicting California Indian life. Her artwork was on display in the Red Barn Classroom weekdays from Monday, October 10, 2011, through Friday, January 6, 2012. The gallery is open by appointment only, Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed holidays

In addition to this event, a demonstration and tasting of California Indian native food was held on Friday, December 9, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

To get to the Red Barn Classroom, follow the directions to Point Reyes National Seashore. As you proceed up the driveway toward the Bear Valley Visitor Center, turn left at the sign for the Red Barn Classroom.

Top of Page