Join us for a series of evening lectures by prominent speakers from the world of art, horticulture and history.
Evening Lecture: Sue Hodson – I Promise You I’ll be Home: Korean Letters of a U.S. Marine
September 16, 2025 | 7 PM
Before becoming a professional journalist and columnist for the Los Angeles Times, Al Martinez (1929-2015) served in the Korean War at the age of 21 with the U.S. Marines. From 1951 to 1952, he served first on the battlefront and then as a war correspondent. He dispatched letters almost daily to his young bride Joanne. Recently, McFarland and Co. has published a volume of Martinez’ war letters, sharing the unique perspective of an obviously gifted writer at the beginning of his career. His letters home captured his experiences eloquently and with depth of understanding as they express the dangers, hardships, fear, friendships, and even humor of life at the front.
Evening Lecture: The History of Irvine Ranch with Mike Stockstill and Nathan Gopen
October 21, 2025 | 7 PM
Join us for an engaging presentation by author and former Irvine Company executive, Mike Stockstill, as he delves into the rich history of the Irvine Ranch. Accompanying him, software engineer and content creator, Nathan Gopen will show the trailer for his documentary film, The Story of Irvine.
Mike Stockstill’s talk, based on his co-authored book Transforming the Irvine Ranch: Joan Irvine, William Pereira, Ray Watson, and the Big Plan (2022), will narrate the fascinating transformation of the Irvine Ranch from an agricultural powerhouse to the thriving community we know today. The presentation will also highlight the colorful and often tragic history of the Irvine family.
Following Mr. Stockstill’s talk will be the trailer for Nathan Gopen’s documentary, The Story of Irvine. This film records 150 years of Irvine history, beginning with James Irvine’s acquisition of over 100,000 acres in Orange County.
Evening Lecture: Taste Irvine Ranch’s Rich History Through Native and Agricultural Reflections
November 18, 2025 | 7 PM
Take a deeper look into the history of Irvine Ranch and discover the fascinating details that make this unique land quintessential to Orange County. Explore over 10,000 years of land use from local indigenous practices to examining the ranching era’s impact on agricultural influences across the globe. Today, the majority of the ranch is set aside in perpetuity for conservation, recreation and stewardship. There are countless ways to experience the vast wildland landscape found throughout Orange County, reaching from the majestic mountain peaks of the Santa Ana mountains to the marine life along our golden California coast. Reflect on the early and modern tastes of the land as we delve into a charcuterie tasting of the Irvine Ranch’s history.
Please note that samples of nuts, fish and wheat will be served.
Kelley Brugmann is the Program Manager with Community Engagement and Education at Irvine Ranch Conservancy, a nonprofit land management organization that works with landowners to protect, restore and enhance open spaces for generations to come. She has over 25 years of experience as a naturalist, environmental educator, school tour leader, college lecturer, managing nature centers, and sharing her passion with others. She is a Certified Interpretive Guide and Trainer though the National Association for Interpretation, receiving their Distinguished Frontline Interpreter Award in 2023.
Members: $10 | Non-Members: $20