Abalone: Their Remarkable History and Uncertain Future

In-Person Program

Join award-winning author Ann Vileisis for a deep dive into the environmental history of abalone, based on her recent book Abalone: the Remarkable History and Uncertain Future of California’s Iconic Shellfish. For adults.

Prized for their iridescent shells and delectable meat, abalone have a long, rich cultural history in California. But with increasing environmental stresses, these unique mollusks are now tragically imperiled. Join award-winning author Ann Vileisis for a deep dive into the environmental history of abalone, based on her recent book Abalone: The Remarkable History and Uncertain Future of California’s Iconic Shellfish.

From indigenous artisans, to bohemian writers, California cuisine, the popular sport of skin diving, and Marine biology, this illustrated lecture features historic images and compelling stories that braid together into a tale of epic proportions—ultimately affording an important perspective to help us better understand the challenges faced by all of marine life today.

Ann Vileisis is an independent scholar and award-winning author of three books that explore culture and nature through history. Her first book, Discovering the Unknown Landscape: a History of America’s Wetlands, won two national history awards from the American Historical Association and the American Society for Environmental History. Her second book, Kitchen Literacy: How We Lost Knowledge of Where Food Comes From, was recognized by Real Simple Magazine as one of "50 books that will change your life."

Her newest work, Abalone: The Remarkable History and Uncertain Future of California’s Iconic Shellfish, takes her storytelling to a new level and brings an important environmental history perspective to marine life.

This event is held in-person. LA County Public Health strongly encourages masks and physical distancing indoors regardless of vaccination status. Masks will continue to be available for customers upon request.

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