Commemorating Past Lives from the Sonoma Developmental Center Cemetery with Archeology and Archives.

Located in Eldridge, California, the Sonoma Developmental Center (SDC) opened in 1891, serving thousands of residents who would today be described as disabled, mentally ill, or deviating from social norms. Between 1892 and 1960, its “Home Cemetery” received the remains of over 1900 residents—after which its use ceased and gravemarkers were removed. The SDC closed in 2018, and the core of its 945 acre campus is now slated for redevelopment. Our research project works with stakeholders to document and preserve the cemetery as a site of social memory and cultural heritage. In this presentation, I will discuss how we are using archeology and archives to reconstruct the biographies of possible Jewish residents from the early 20th century, a time characterized by a growing eugenics movement as well as the 1918-19 influenza pandemic.

Alexis T. Boutin is Professor of Anthropology and Coordinator of the Cultural Heritage and Resources Management M.S. Program at Sonoma State University.

Evening Schedule
6:15 - 6:45 PM - Shabbat Blessings & Meal
6:45 - 7:10 PM - Mi Shebeirach & Kaddish
7:15 - 8:15 PM - Speaker Presentation

You may also join virtually via Zoom or Live Stream. The Zoom link and Live Stream password are available in your weekly CST Connect email. If you missed a previously live-streamed service, view our video library.

To help us ensure everything is ready for this event, we must finalize catering orders 7 days in advance. If you are registering within 7 days of this event, we can't guarantee food will be available, but we'd still love for you to attend! If food isn't available, just let a staff member know, and we'll gladly refund your fee.    

$22 for members, $28 for non-members, kids 13 and under are free.

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