To a casual visitor, the coastal town of Mendocino, California, might seem timeless. However, much of its rich past has been meticulously preserved and documented, thanks in no small part to the efforts of author and historian Bruce Levene. Through his books, oral history projects, and multimedia presentations, Levene ensured that the vibrant stories of Mendocino and its people would not be lost to time.
At the reception for the 60th Anniversary of The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming, the filming of which Levene helped document, he was presented with a Lifetime Membership to the Kelley House Museum. A true local historian, Levene’s work has captured the many unique facets of Mendocino’s character, including its logging past, artistic community, and Hollywood legacy.
Sarah Nathe presents Bruce Levene with Lifetime Membership.
Oral history projects
Levene knows how to get a story before the storyteller is no longer around to tell it. He was involved in the Mendocino County American Bicentennial History Project; he co-authored and edited the multi-volume work Mendocino County Remembered: An Oral History, a collection of firsthand accounts from local residents.
Bruce also collaborated on Voices and Dreams: A Native American Oral History project in 1991, transcribing dozens of interviews with the local Pomo people, a copy of which we have in the Kelley House Museum library.
Mendocino’s cinematic heritage
In his book Mendocino and the Movies, Levene documented through photos and newspaper stories, the numerous films and television shows that used Mendocino Coast as a backdrop. Another of his books, James Dean, is devoted solely to the filming of the Steinbeck story East of Eden in Mendocino. Levene’s research is so thorough that his collection of movie posters and scripts was donated to the Kelley House Museum for its permanent archive.
Mendocino life
Levene also edited the historical book Perley Maxwell’s Mendocino, a compilation of photos and stories from the early 1900s, based on the recollections of a longtime resident. This book offers an intimate glimpse into the daily life of the village in a bygone era.
Beyond early history, Levene was instrumental in chronicling the dynamic counter-cultural movement of the 1970s that defined modern Mendocino. He published The Mendocino Review magazine, which showcased the photography, writing, and art of local residents. In later years, he created a celebrated “digital scrapbook” of this period, featuring music, interviews, and photography from the era.
A dedication to preservation
Through his extensive research, meticulous editing, and tireless enthusiasm, Bruce Levene’s work transformed the anecdotal history of Mendocino into a well-documented and accessible record. His efforts not only preserved the past but also connected generations of residents and visitors to the unique heritage of this special coastal community. This enduring legacy will continue to educate and inspire for years to come.
Levene’s books are available for purchase in the Kelley House Museum bookstore. The Kelley House is open Thursday-Monday, 11am-3pm. Visit our event calendar for a walking tour schedule.