SLO County History Center | History Center Of San Luis Obispo County

While many children have imaginary friends, I had an imaginary classroom full of students, for I’ve known that I wanted to be a teacher ever since I can remember.

So, in addition to learning about the subject matter in each course throughout my academic career, I also studied the strategies and methodologies that my teachers used in hopes of utilizing the better ideas someday.

In high school, history became my chosen field of study—realizing that being a high school history teacher was my true vocation. As a 5th generation native Californian, my family’s genealogy and connection to California’s history fascinates me.

I was born in Downey, California where my father worked as a rocket scientist for Rockwell International. After growing up in Yorba Linda, my family moved to the family ranch in southern San Benito County where my father grew up in the 1878 house built with brick fired by my great grandfather. This relocation came just in time for me to start King City High School, where I met the “Great Love of My Life”.

At U.C. Berkeley, I focused on United States history with an emphasis on The American Revolution. I taught high school history for 27 years, beginning my career in King City and then spending 24 years teaching in San Francisco. I ultimately spent 20 years teaching Advanced Placement United States History, American Government, and Leadership, while serving as Lowell High School’s Student Activities Director.

The bulk of my summers were spent attending fellowships, acting in administrative capacities, and traveling. Some highlights include four summers at Yale University and one at Princeton as the Assistant Director of a program that taught American Government, Constitutional Law, and Public Speaking to high school students. I also served as the Master Teacher for an NEH program at Salem State, and studied the American Civil Rights Movement at Cambridge University. Lastly, I furthered my love of history and culture by taking formal Spanish language courses throughout Mexico and Argentina.

Having bought 5 years of service credit, I retired in 2018 at 52 years of age, went back to school, and earned my National Emergency Medical Technician license—

with the goal of joining the Peace Corps. The pandemic changed that plan.

In 2020, I left San Francisco and returned to Bitterwater, the small valley where the family ranch is, taking on volunteer positions with the Monterey County Agriculture and Rural Life Museum, Rotary, King City In Bloom, and the King City Community Scholarship Foundation.

Returning to the King City area allowed me to reconnect with family and many old friends including Andy Maness, my husband. After graduating from King City High in my class, Andy moved south, received his B.A. and M.A. degrees in English from Cal Poly, and then taught there for the next 23 years. I fell quickly for Andy, and we’ve been a couple since 2021 getting married in 2023.

In 2024, Andy and I bought a house in San Luis Obispo and moved to a neighborhood Andy called home for decades. While giving up volunteer jobs in King City,

I found ways to serve San Luis Obispo—as a bartender for SLO Repertory Theater, a Mission San Luis Obispo docent, a mission bell ringer, a driver for Meals That Connect, and a docent for The History Center.

Serendipitously, I approached members of The History Center about joining the board at a time when a transition was taking place. At a lunch with past and present History Center board members, it was decided that I might be able to help, for they needed a new director.

Now, as the Executive Director of The History Center, I hope to bring top notch exhibits to “The Carnegie”, build partnerships with the community, preserve the historic collection that we steward, train an army of volunteers, and be a successful fundraiser for the continued success of The History Center of San Luis Obispo County.

San Luis Obispo County History Day –

Celebrating the 250th Birthday of The United States of America

The Founding of San Luis Obispo County in 1850

Students from San Luis Obispo County are invited to present their historic research for the possibility of their work being displayed

at The History Center of San Luis Obispo County Museum.

Who?

ALL San Luis Obispo County Students!

There will be 4 classes of competition: Elementary School, Middle School, High School, and College / University.

Various winners from each category will have their work presented in the galleries of The History Center.

What?

Think of this as a type of “History Fair” where all types of exhibits can be submitted.

Posters, dioramas, mobiles, stained glass, or other types of creative medium that illustrate and explain either

a segment of San Luis Obispo History or history surrounding the American Revolution will be accepted.

When?

The Deadline for submissions will be on Friday, February 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM

to The History Center of San Luis Obispo County, 696 Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Where?

YOUR Historic Research and Display COULD BE on display at The History Center Museum!

Why?

The History Center wants to engage the young people of the county in terms of what interests them and

then doing research on those topics so as to educate all those who visit The History Center.

How?

With the help of your teachers, parents, and friends, come up with a topic of interest, explore what are the most important facts to share about your topic, and then come up with a fun, creative manner in which to illustrate your ideas to a museum audience.

Much more information will be on our website soon.

With hope, schools and teachers will aid potential historical researchers and exhibitors with what should be an amazing exhibit of work done exclusively by YOUNG PEOPLE

coming to The History Center on February 18, 2026 – the 176th Birthday of San Luis Obispo County!

GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!