Evolution of Green: Environmental Activism in the Santa Clara Valley

Evolution of Green will share the stories of those individuals and groups whose experiences have shaped the evolving narrative of our environmental story…

March 13-September 22
The History Museum

Environmental Activism, in its many forms, has played a critical role in our Santa Clara Valley history.  This complex movement to create a sustainable environment has been fostered by grassroots agencies as well as a multitude of organizations, from farmers and nature conservation groups to high-tech companies and universities. These groups, despite their varying missions, play an important role in developing, supporting or promoting sustainability solutions. Evolution of Green will share the stories of those individuals and groups whose experiences have  shaped the evolving narrative of our environmental story while also engaging visitors in the ongoing need and desire for community-fostered awareness and change.

Our changing attitudes about the environment and our need to address crucial environmental challenges in our region have influenced our landscape development, public policy, and our community awareness of the human impact on nature. The popularization of ecological ideas and activism has also given citizens the power to create community-based responses to these issues. This exhibition will serve as a platform for engaging and educating museum visitors about the network of local groups like the Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, Green Belt Alliance, and The Committee for Green Foothills. Organizations that advocate for environmentally sustainable practices while addressing community needs, creating new forums for information exchange, and mapping new routes for urban development.

Evolution of Green will use interactive models, historical narrative, environmental soundscapes, and other media to interpret this history and explore proposed future steps for environmental activism.

Public Programs Include:

» History:inFOCUS lecture: A lecture and conversation with Richard Walker, author of The Country in the City: The Greening of the San Francisco Bay Area.
» Family Farm-to-table event: The Museums of Los Gatos will partner with the Community Alliance for Family Farmers, the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority, and local farms to host a day of activities and tastings promoting sustainable agriculture and open space preservation.