The theme of this year's winter lecture series is the people and history of the Annenberg Community Beach House, which opened to great acclaim last spring and has become a premiere destination in Santa Monica.

The site combines new buildings with the restored 1929 Georgian Revival Guest House and 100-foot swimming pool with decorative tile and marble. Both the house and pool were designed by renowned architect Julia Morgan for William Randolph Hearst as gifts to his loyal companion, actress Marion Davies. Davies, who starred in both silent and talking films, was a pre-eminent Hollywood hostess; she and Hearst reigned as virtual royalty, hosting film luminaries and heads of state.

The lecture series will provide stories of the site’s vivid personalities – WR Hearst, Ms. Davies, and Julia Morgan – as well as insights into the innovative adaptive reuse that has transformed the site for public use.

February 27
- Marc Wanamaker on Hollywood’s Gold Coast.
- Cari Beauchamp on William Randolph Hearst.

March 13
- Elaina Archer, documentary filmmaker, presenting “The True Story of Marion Davies” and discussing her research on the film star.
- Kay Pattison on WR Hearst, Marion Davies, and their relationship.

March 27
- Christy McAvoy, Historic Resources Group, on the historic structures.
- John Berley, Frederick Fisher Partners Architects, on the rebirth of the site.

The lectures will be held from 2 – 5 PM at Memorial Park, 14th Street between Colorado and Olympic. Tickets are $10 for each lecture date.

Reserve now online using our website. For questions, call 310-496-3146.