Maria Carrillo

Redlands Community History Initiative

The Division of Special Collections is excited to announce a new community-wide project! The Redlands Community History Initiative seeks to learn about and preserve the stories of the many communities that made Redlands the city it is today, especially those traditionally left out of the conversation.

Redlands has always been a diverse community. People from all walks of life with varied cultural and ethnic backgrounds made their way to Redlands and the East San Bernardino Valley to set down roots, contributing to the area’s growth and prosperity. From the citrus and dairy industries; to service in homes and businesses; and centers of community – everything from churches to barber shops, all Redlanders left their mark on the city.

The stories of beloved historical figures like Israel Beal, who was born into slavery and made his way west after the Civil War; José Rivera, the city’s first law enforcement officer; and Lulu Nash, a popular housekeeper and caterer, have been well-documented, but what of the thousands of others who called Redlands home? What were their names? Why did they choose Redlands?

You can contribute to the Redlands Community History Initiative by sharing photos, letters, diaries, receipts, artifacts, and oral histories, all of which add to the understanding of the many people who built and sustained Redlands over the years. Whatever was important to you and your family is important for history!

Sharing is easy! You can upload images of photographs and other materials directly to the online submission portal, by email to heritage@akspl.org, or in person with an appointment. Contact the Heritage Room at (909)798-7632 to learn how the Library can help you preserve your family’s legacy in the Redlands area.

Lincoln Shrine Now Open

After a year-long closure, the Lincoln Memorial Shrine has reopened to the public. The current hours of operation are Wednesday – Sunday, 1-4pm.

“Our thoughts go out to all who have lost their lives and whose families have been impacted during this worldwide crisis. As health conditions improve, we look forward to once again creating educational experiences that facilitate interaction with our shared past within the Lincoln Shrine,” remarked Curator Nathan Gonzales. A number of new measures are in place to assure the safest environment possible, including increased sanitation procedures, limited capacity, directional flow for exhibits, and requiring face coverings for all visitors over the age of two.

The Shrine will continue its successful virtual exhibition gallery and history webinar programs in addition to in-person experiences. “One thing we’ve learned through all of this is that the opportunity for teaching about the Civil War and that critical time in history isn’t limited to being physically present at the museum” shared Associate Archivist Maria Carrillo. “Technology allows anyone with an internet connection the opportunity to participate in so many of the things the Shrine has to offer.”

As conditions continue to improve, public hours will increase to four hours per day and include Tuesdays. “But this is a great place to start. We’re so happy to be able to offer our community this wonderful resource once again. A digital representation on a screen is very helpful, but can never replace the thrill of seeing the actual piece of paper Abraham Lincoln signed,” Gonzales said.

For more information, call (909)798-7632 or visit www.lincolnshrine.org.

Patron Saints Day

Ever wonder about Redlands’ Patron Saints Albert and Alfred Smiley, but haven’t had a chance learn more? Get your questions ready and join us for A.K. Smiley Public Library’s Patron Saints Day brown bag lunch webinar on Wednesday, March 17 at 12pm.

This year, historians Larry Burgess and Nathan Gonzales will take your questions about the Smileys’ contributions to Redlands. Send your questions to ngonzales@akspl.org in advance or ask them as part of the Q&A box on the day of the program. Register here. This webinar will also stream on Facebook Live.

Have you missed past webinars? Watch them on YouTube and Facebook.

Visit the Resilient Redlands Webinar Series page for information on future programs.

Celebrating Black History Month

A.K. Smiley Public Library honors Black History Month!

Explore the Library’s holdings by and about African Americans and African American history and culture in a new blog post with recommendations of books, DVDs, music, and more.

February 6 – “African American Literature” by Professor Charles Williams of Chaffey College

February 13 – “Lincoln’s Greatest Decision: Emancipation and the Use of Black Troops” with Smiley Library Director Don McCue

February 20 – “Black Voice News and the History of the Black Press” by Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds

February 27 – “Hidden in Plain Sight: African Americans in the Library’s Historic Collections” with Archivist Dr. Nathan Gonzales

Registration is free and easy! Sign up here and you’ll be registered for the entire series. These webinars will also stream on Facebook Live.

We hope you can join us in this celebration!

Special Collections Research Appointment

In order to serve you in a safe and efficient manner, the Heritage Room has shifted to an appointment only system. Researchers are asked to provide information about their research topic and list specific titles they are interested in accessing when scheduling an appointment. Please review the Library’s catalog to identify titles and shelf numbers to include in your request. All researchers are required to provide their own writing materials; pens are not allowed. No more than two persons are allowed per research appointment.

In accordance with Smiley Library’s COVID-19 reopening procedures, research visits are limited to one hour and researchers are required to wear face coverings at all times during their visit. Hand sanitizer is available for all Heritage Room visitors to use upon entry. Any person feeling unwell or exhibiting signs of illness is asked to remain at home. All surfaces will be sanitized between research visits.

Donations to the Archives, Museum of Redlands, and Lincoln Memorial Shrine will also be accepted with an appointment. Contact Special Collections staff for further information.

Appointments are available during the new hours of operation: Tuesday 2-5pm, Wednesday-Thursday 1-5pm, and Friday-Saturday 1-4pm. To schedule an appointment, please submit a request on our online portal, call (909)798-7632, or email heritage@akspl.org. Appointments are only finalized when confirmed by Special Collections staff.