Historical researcher Dr. John Parker has plowed through the written and oral history surrounding the early European settlement in Lake County and the effect it had on the people who had already been living here for at least 14,500 years. Probably the most well-known, but poorly understood were the events that led up to the Bloody Island Massacre at the Upper Lake village of Badonnapati in the Spring of 1850. He explores an even earlier massacre that General Vallejo conducted at the Southeastern Pomo village of Kamdot in the 1840s. Parker follows the move west of the Kelsey brothers into California and the establishment of their ranch in Big Valley. He explores what is known of their atrocities and the events that led to and followed their murder.

All lectures are free to Historical Society Members and $10/each for non-members. A pass for all 6 annual lectures can be obtained for $40. Purchase a membership or individual lecture pass at the door, or buy one at the Museum any weekend or at the monthly Fiddler’s Jam. We’ll provide the popcorn! We hope to see you there!

Click on the Events page for details for each lecture.