Los Altos History Museum will shine a light on the endangered indigenous language of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe – aboriginal to the San Francisco Bay Area – in its upcoming program, “A History of Chochenyo: A Language Reawakened,” 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 21.
Leading the program is Bernadette Quiroz, language revitalization chair for the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe. A descendant of the tribe’s original inhabitants – many of whom were baptized at Mission San Jose in the early 19th century – Quiroz will explore the origins, meaning and revitalization efforts of the Chochenyo language.
“I’ve always been fascinated by our language,” Quiroz said. “As a child, I wanted to learn it, but there were no resources available. It wasn’t until I was a teenager that I discovered the language revitalization effort.”
Today, there are five fluent speakers of the Chochenyo language. Quiroz, who hopes to be the sixth, is learning the language using materials compiled specifically for the Muwekma Tribal community. Rooted in the natural world, the Chochenyo language presents unique challenges as it is adapted for modern use.
“I wanted to understand more than just vocabulary,” she explained. “The words carry history, spirituality and the worldview of our people. They are so much more than words.”
As the language revitalization chair, Quiroz develops and implements learning resources for tribal members. To date, she has created 15 online lessons, with 43 students currently enrolled in self-paced classes. Her next goal: to launch in-person instruction.
“Language is vital to our identity and shouldn’t be gatekept,” Quiroz said. “I hope attendees leave with an appreciation of the Chochenyo language, a deeper understanding of the Muwekma people, and the truth of why our language was put to sleep – and why it must now be reawakened.”
Admission is $15 per person; free for museum members. Space is limited; advance registration is recommended at losaltoshistory.org/chochenyo.
Los Altos History Museum began in 1977 with the opening of the historic J. Gilbert Smith House, built in 1905 on 14+ acres of apricot orchards planted by Mr. Smith. In 2001, Los Altos History Museum opened the modern building next door, which houses the museum’s collections, permanent and changing exhibits, store and administrative offices. The museum and its grounds are available for rent during evenings and weekends. Its collections are owned by the city of Los Altos and are managed by an independent nonprofit organization, whose staff and volunteers are responsible for all programs and operations.
Museum fundraiser scheduled June 14
Los Altos History Museum invites the community to celebrate in style at “A Taste of History,” its signature fundraiser and auction, 6-10 p.m. Saturday, June 14. Held in the museum’s scenic garden courtyard, this new open-air experience offers an evening of casual elegance, complete with fire pits, live music by a local jazz combo, wine tastings from local wineries – including non-alcoholic options – and curated food pairings by Heirloom Catering.
The event includes both silent and live auctions, along with a special “fund-a-need” to support the museum’s educational programs, from interactive school tours to enriching adult learning experiences. Guests can bid on exclusive items donated by local businesses, all while raising a glass to education and the power of community support.
“Our new signature event will showcase the summer glory of our garden while featuring the local history of one of Los Altans’ favorite things: wine!” said Executive Director Anna Toledano.
A highlight of the evening will be a presentation by Julie Bly DeVere, former interim executive director of the museum, on the history of wine in the Bay Area. For those new to the museum, docents will lead guided tours of the permanent exhibition, the J. Gilbert Smith House, the current exhibit and the Los Altos Heritage Orchard.
Tickets for “A Taste of History” are $250 through May 16, and $275 through May 31. All proceeds will support the museum’s operations, with a special focus on educational programs.
To purchase tickets, visit losaltoshistory.org/TasteofHistory.
