The Mare Island Shoreline Preserve, located at the southern end of Railroad Avenue on Mare Island will be a busy place to visit the next few weeks. Whatever your interest, the preserve is wonderful place to get away in the bay.

On Saturday July 28, special Laborfest events include a 11:30 A.M.walking tour guided by longtime Mare Island activist Myrna Hayes. See the former production facilities and living quarters of this remarkable place. You will hear about the women welders, and see the workshops of those who built, maintained and serviced Naval Ships until the base closed in 1996. 

Bring a lunch to enjoy at the picnic grounds before the 2:00 P.M. afternoon program highlighting stories of the people who lived and worked at Mare Island, and made this place such a vibrant part of California’s labor heritage. 

Plus, learn about the courageous Naval detachment who saved downtown San Francisco in the Great Fire of 1906. Listen to narratives of the women welders and African American ship fitters who achieved incredible productivity during the war years. Other discussion topics include updates on the Port Chicago incident, the Base Closure Act and it’s lasting impacts and a brainstorming session to offer ideas for future uses of this amazing place.

So take time to visit and salute those workers whose skills, creativity and effort made the Bay Area the unquestioned standard for shipbuilding. Plus, you are welcome to pay respects to those who have passed on at the Mare Island Cemetery. 

For more information click here, call 707-249-9633 or visit http://www.mareislandpreserve.org
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