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North Star House is hosting an afternoon lecture with historian Mary-Jo Wainwright  examining the roles of women in the United States during the Progressive Era (1895–1930) , a time of major social change when women were increasingly entering public life, reform movements, and professional fields. The lecture, titled “Reluctant Reformers: Mary Hallock Foote & Julia Morgan in the Progressive Era,”  will explore the Progressive Movement—what it was, what problems reformers soug

For more than two decades, the North Star House has been moving through a rare kind of recovery - one measured not only in funding milestones and building permits, but in volunteer hours, hard decisions, and a belief that historic places can still serve living communities. After decades of dedicated service, David made the decision to retire from the Board of Directors at the end of 2025. In this sit-down conversation, he reflects on what first drew him to North Star House, w

Community Game Day is a simple reminder of why North Star House exists—not just as a historic space, but as a place meant to be used, shared, and enjoyed. Families, friends, and neighbors gathered throughout the house on January 18th to play board games, card games, and puzzles, filling the rooms with conversation and laughter. People came and went at their own pace, but everyone participated in the same spirit of connection. Events like Community Game Day allow people to exp

Ken Underwood - Board President We are pleased to share that Ken Underwood has stepped into the role of Board President of the North Star Historic Conservancy. Ken has been actively involved with North Star House for the past seven years, serving across multiple committees and contributing to the ongoing restoration effort. He approaches this role with a focus on making the house accessible to everyone, working collaboratively across the organization, and keeping the space op

The North Star House was filled with holiday cheer this season as we welcomed the community in for our annual Christmas celebration. Visitors wandered through the House, taking in the holiday decorations, getting a feel for the warmth and history that make this place so special. We loved seeing so many new faces walk through the doors, along with familiar ones who return year after year. Guests warmed up with mulled wine and hot cocoa. Carols echoed softly from room to room,

A gentle and timeless holiday glow fills the North Star House this season, thanks to the thoughtful Christmas décor created by Rebekah Freeman.

An inside look at the second floor of the North Star House, shared through the voices of the volunteers who are bringing it back to life.

On November 16, our community gathered for a moment many years in the making: the National Significance Celebration at the North Star House. Surrounded by friends, volunteers, supporters, and local leaders, we honored the historic designation that officially recognizes the House for its importance in architecture, literature, women’s history, and equal rights. The evening opened with remarks from our Board President, Paula Campbell , who spoke from the heart about the decades

We recently hosted a free community workshop with horticultural designer Molly Breen of New Wave Green , focusing on how to design native plant landscapes using Netafim irrigation systems. The event brought together local gardeners, volunteers, and community members interested in sustainable, water-wise landscaping. During the workshop, Molly walked participants through the fundamentals of Netafim drip irrigation: how it works, why it’s ideal for native plants, and how though

The North Star Historic Conservancy is proud to announce that the North Star House has been officially recognized as nationally significant in the National Register of Historic Places : a milestone that underscores the site’s vital place in American history. From the groundbreaking architecture of Julia Morgan, California’s first licensed woman architect, to the literary legacy of Mary Hallock Foote, the North Star House tells a remarkable story of innovation, culture, and co