History Day comes to Masson House

Mountains Restoration Trust will host History Day at Masson Homestead at Headwaters Corner in honor of National Historic Preservation Month.

The event is from noon to 4 p.m. Sun., May 31 at Headwaters Corner, 23075 Mulholland Highway in Calabasas.

The William C. Masson House, which was built in the 1890s, was named the city's first local historical landmark earlier this month.

The open house will feature author talks, live music, folk dancing, history presentations and other activities, including arts and crafts.

Mike Malone from the National Park Service will talk about the history of movie making, and another speaker will perform with historical instruments. Former tenants of the Masson House will be on hand to talk about their experiences as well.

"There's going to be all sorts of neat stuff," said the MRT's Debbie Bruschaber. "The house will be open, and there's going to be a lot of people there. There will be plenty of opportunities to talk about the history and the area."

Willy's Smokehouse BBQ & Grill will offer lunch and a beer garden.

A city trolley to the Homestead will leave from the Calabasas Civic Center at 11:30 a.m. and 12:20, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. The trolley will leave Calabasas High School every half-hour between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Masson House serves as an interpretive center for cultural and environmental educational programs. Admission to the History Day is free, but a $5 donation will benefit the Headwaters Corner at Calabasas educational programs.

The event is sponsored by the city of Calabasas, the Calabasas Historical Society, Mary Ellen Strote, Bill Richmond and Saria Kraft.

For more information, call (818) 591-1701, ext. 187, or e-mail mrtrust@mountainstrust.org.