This summer, local historian and urbanist Michael Kuker will lead a series of three guided, hour-long walking tours discussing various aspects of Redding and Shasta County history. Michael will bring along historic photographs, putting you in the footsteps of photographers of the past, to show you exactly what was there—as well as what still is!
Saturday, July 14 | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
A History of Redding’s Growth
How did Redding grow from a little town of just one quarter square mile to a city of over 61 square miles? Join local historian and urbanist Michael Kuker on Saturday, July 14 at 9 a.m. at the Amtrak station in Downtown Redding for a guided, hour-long walking tour to learn how and why downtown has changed over the decades. The route is a round-trip, covering about one mile over flat, accessible terrain.
Saturday, July 28 | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Tales from Redding’s Other Side
What happened to Redding’s Chinatown? Join local historian and urbanist Michael Kuker for a deeper examination of Redding’s history on Saturday, July 28 at 9 a.m. in front of the courthouse in Redding. You’ll learn about decades of racial strife and violence and discuss the lynching of the Ruggles Brothers. The route is an accessible round-trip covering about one mile with only about a block of climbing back to the courthouse.
Saturday, August 11 | 9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
The Life, Death, & Rebirth of Downtown
What exactly is the deal with that mess in the middle of Downtown Redding? Join local historian and urbanist Michael Kuker on Saturday, August 11 at 9 a.m. at the corner of Tehama and Market Street] for a guided, hour-long walking tour focusing on the history of Redding’s Downtown Mall. Learn how the mall project grew from a proposal for a minor streetscape improvement in the early 1960s to a multimillion dollar project in the 1970s that forever changed the face of downtown Redding. Michael will put the mall in its historical context, talk about changes in urban planning over the decades, and discuss what is in store for downtown in the future.
About This Place Matters—Redding: This Place Matters—Redding is a coalition of organizations, individuals, and businesses who believe historic places play an integral role in economic revitalization and that authenticity is key to successful placemaking. This Place Matters—Redding is best known for leading the campaign to save the Bell Rooms—the first preservation victory in Redding in decades.
