Mr. Binkley is the Command Historian for the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey. He first arrived at the Presidio in 2007 after working several years for the National Park Service. Binkley also held research positions at Stanford University and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS).  He is a graduate of San Francisco State University, MIIS, and the University of Denver.

Date:  Thursday, July 31

Time:  6PM, followed by a light reception

Location: Irvine Auditorium, McCone Building, 499 Pierce Street, Monterey

OMF was excited to restart our lecture series based on
the culture and history of the Monterey area after our Covid hiatus.

The first lecture was held on November 16, 2023 and featured

Claudine Chalmers speaking about her recent book – Barbizon by the Pacific – which was partially funded by OMF.  Her talk took us on a unique journey on the French influence of the art scene in the Monterey Bay. She also explored the relationships among Robert Lewis Stevenson, Jules Simoneau, and Jules Tavernier.

Our second lecture was by Joaquin Turner and Cynthia Wagner Weick on February 1, 2024.  Their talk expounded on the various renowned local artists and the specific spots on the Monterey Peninsula that inspired their artistry.  It was based on their book: Preserving Nature: A Field Guide to the Art and Artists of the Monterey Bay.

The third lecture featured Erin Gafill on April 17, 2024 discussing the impact her great-great-grandmother Jane Gallatin Powers had on
the art scene.  She was a significant force in building a sustainable arts community that would become Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Her artwork was
exhibited in California and Europe.

Our fourth and final lecture was by Susan Shillinglaw and Sherrie Flumerfelt on June 27, 2024, discussing the unique relationship that
John Steinbeck had with Ed Ricketts, which led to their famous voyage on the Western Flyer to the Sea of Cortez.  Sherrie talked about the incredible restoration of the Western Flyer, that is currently at Moss Landing and will be docked at Old Fisherman’s Wharf in the near future for educational tours.

OMF is proud to present these lectures on the history and culture of the
Monterey area. All lectures are free of charge followed by a wine + cheese reception.  Through the use of social media, our lectures averaged 120 attendees.  We hope to continue them on an annual basis and will keep you posted on upcoming lectures.

OMF wishes to sincerely thank Melissa Burdick, executor of the Marcia Devoe Fund of the Community Foundation of Monterey County, for her generous financial support of these lectures.