History Comes Alive
Shasta Historical Society’s Taste of History Returns…
Old Shasta was once the center of everything. This stretch of brick buildings and worn streets carried the weight of a region—commerce, government and the routines of daily life unfolding in a place that, at the time, felt permanent. Like many centers, it eventually shifted, leaving behind not a replica or interpretation, but the original fabric of a town that had simply outlived its moment. What remains today is quiet, intact, and unmistakably real, a place that does not ask for attention so much as it holds it.
Most days, that stillness defines it; but this year, the Shasta Historical Society changes that.
On Saturday, May 9, from 5 to 8 pm, the organization hosts its annual Taste of History in Old Shasta at Shasta State Historic Park, transforming the grounds just behind the courthouse museum into something festive, lively and deeply familiar.
For Bonnie Hyatt, executive director of the Shasta Historical Society, the evening begins and ends with one idea. “The core inspiration for most of what Shasta Historical Society does is community,” Hyatt says. “Taste of History brings together our members and the community at large for a really fun event that is also for a great cause, which is to support the mission of the society: to actively preserve and promote our local history.”
At a glance, the format may feel familiar—food, drink, music and conversation—but the setting gives it its own character. Guests move through the evening with the vague confidence of people insisting they are “just taking one quick lap,” only to find themselves circling back for another bite, another pour or one more stop at the table everyone seems to be talking about. Before long, the evening has quietly carried on far longer than anyone intended.
What distinguishes Taste of History is not just what’s being offered, but where it happens. The courthouse, the preserved brick and wood backdrop, and the open grounds behind the museum may not have been designed for an event like this, which is precisely why it works. The gathering does not overwrite history; it rests within it, allowing the past and present to coexist.
There is something quietly remarkable about standing in a Gold Rush town, under a big sky with friends, while the site briefly returns as a gathering place, a space filled again with people, realizing that its essential function has not changed. People have always come here to gather, exchange and participate in something shared.
This is where the role of the Shasta Historical Society becomes more apparent—not simply as a host, but as a steward of continuity. Preservation is about protecting structures and maintaining records, but its deeper value lies in keeping those places connected to current life.
“Taste of History supports the Historical Society’s mission and preservation efforts,” Hyatt says. “It helps us keep history alive and accessible for generations to come.”
This year, guests will also have the opportunity to interact with historical docents and learn about some of Shasta County’s famous (and infamous) characters, bringing more of the region’s story to life.
Community support makes the evening possible. “We simply could not have a successful event without the support of our community,” Hyatt says. “From the great food and beverages we serve to the generous auction donations, and just as importantly, people showing up—we are very lucky to have a community like Shasta County.”
Getting there is simple. Take Highway 299 west from Redding for approximately six miles to Shasta State Historic Park. Guests will check in at tables marked “check-in” just as they approach the backside of the courthouse. No physical tickets are needed, just the name(s) that the tickets were purchased under. Upon check in they will be given a souvenir wine glass, event program and their table number. The event will have several wineries and breweries for guests to choose from, silent auction tables and live entertainment under the big tent.
Guests are encouraged to come casual and ready for an easy evening. The grounds are beautifully historic, which is a polite way of saying they are not especially forgiving to high heels, so perhaps leave the stilettos at home.
For a few hours, Old Shasta resumes its original purpose. It gathers people, holds activity, and reminds those present that places like this were never intended to remain empty. •
Taste of History • Saturday, May 9, 5 to 8 pm
Shasta State Historic Park, Old Shasta
Tickets: $50; buy online at shastahistorical.org or in person at the Shasta Historical Society office on Market Street in downtown Redding
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John Truitt writes about Redding’s civic life, downtown momentum and the brave souls who attend planning meetings voluntarily. Active with Viva Downtown, he follows local leadership, historic preservation and community vitality wherever they gather — usually near coffee, clipboards and at least one spirited debate about parking.
