WELCOME TO MARINA DEL REY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Dear Members, Friends, and Archivists,

History preserved; history remembered!  For me, this has become a learning adventure, and I am looking for those who share that same passion in preserving our heritage and contributing to our future.

This is why we need your financial support to help fund our efforts in making sure the history of Marina Del Rey is preserved for future generations. Since local events like ARTSEA and MarinaFest have been cancelled and large gatherings have been discouraged for 2020, we are respectfully requesting your donations. This is our only way to raise funds to further our work on our website, to digitize our archives, and continue our Gallery operations in Fisherman’s Village.

Since my last letter at the beginning of 2020, our lives have changed considerably.  The Gallery at Fisherman’s Village has been closed since March 15 and in these tough times securing our gallery location was very important and my grateful thanks to all those who helped secure our location at Fisherman’s Village through 2020.  The majority of our business and board meetings are now being socially distanced via Zoom.  When we are able to re-open, masks and social distancing will be required and I hope to announce a re-opening date and times soon.

Our objective to preserve the Marina’s history continues. We invite local archivists, historians, and volunteers who enjoy conversing with others their knowledge, expertise, and passion of the marina’s history, and to promote preserving its heritage for our community and for future generations.  If you would like to be a part in our historical endeavors, please join us.

Your donations have been critical in the past, to fund our efforts to bring reality to our preservation goals, to enhance community pride, and to increase public awareness of Marina del Rey. You may donate online at the bottom of this page.

With sincerest appreciation for your support,

Howard Wenger, President, Marina del Rey Historical Society

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You can make your donation via Paypal on this site; via phone 424-391-6976; or via mail to MDRHS, 13737 Fiji Way, C3, Marina del Rey CA 90292.

HISTORY PRESERVED; HISTORY REMEMBERED!

This is our primary focus and if you have a passion for history and like conversing with others about preserving the Marina’s heritage, then we would love to have you join us.

We are seeking Volunteers and Local Archivists, also, if you are an Intern working toward being a Historical Steward and need hours towards your graduation, then here are some of the areas we could use your help and expertise…

Archivist – Organization of our Archives.

Community Functions – Booth operations at local and major events.

Fundraising – Organize and assist at various fundraisers.

Grant Writer – Find and write for funding on local, state, and federal levels

Newsletter & Publicity – Provide content for web-site, newsletters, flyers and Social Media platforms for promotions and events.

Tech Support – Update and add content for our web-site and Social Media platforms.

Please leave your information below, or contact Howard at (424) 391-6976.

CHRISTINE ‘CRIS’ ROHDE    passed away on September 7, losing her battle with cancer. A longtime Marina del Rey resident and community leader, Ms. Rohde served on the board of directors for Marina del Rey’s Holiday Boat Parade, Marina del Rey Historical Society, Santa Monica Red Cross, and on committees for MarinaFest and the Marina del Rey 50th Birthday celebration (2015). She has been fund-raising chair and president of the John Tracy Clinic Women’s Auxiliary, and served in the civilian reserve Santa Monica Police Department.

In 1990, Ms. Rohde joined the contemporary design firm of William Dale Brantley, aARts Architects, and continued for three decades in administration, project management, interior design, model homes and governmental entitlement interface, including work with several Marina del Rey lessees.

Sharing an interest in vintage powerboating, Rohde and Mr. Brantley each owned 1950s Chris Craft yachts, which they completely restored. Both were involved with Classic Yacht Association, which strives to preserve and maintain the maritime architectural heritage of fine old wooden power boats. Rohde also provided marine interior design consulting.

As a member of Classic Yacht Association, Rohde served as International Commodore, Southern California Commodore and Treasurer, and produced the Old Fashioned Day in the Park event, which occurred annually for over four decades until this past summer’s cancelation.

In the late 1970’s Rohde joined the firm of Pearson & Wuesthoff (P&W), working on numerous Marina del Rey development and renovation projects, including Fisherman’s Village dock kiosks.

Born Christine Diane Brainard, April 2, 1947, in Burbank, California, Ms. Rohde grew up in San Diego and Seattle, Washington. She earned a degree in Environmental Design from San Diego State University. She was in a previous marriage to Paul Rohde.