Port Chicago: The rest of the story...

As we listen and learn about this forgotten town, we honor and pay our respect to the lives lost and the families displaced.

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CCCHS Author in the Archives Series presents

Dean McLeod, author, historian, professional genealogist and former resident of Contra Costa County returns to Martinez this July to share "the rest of the story" of Port Chicago.

Port Chicago, an all-American town on Suisun Bay known for its shipping port and two rail lines.  The early industries of lumber and petrochemical put the town “on the map” long before WWII. The Great Depression nearly decimated the town before it was rejuvenated by “Big Oil”.  The need for oil, fuel and weapons during WWII changed everything and then in July 1944, the devastating explosion occurred.

Through Dean's extensive research and oral interviews of people from Port Chicago, he weaves a much more detailed account of the small town and discovers there are many more unanswered questions of the "who's, how's and why's" that will fascinate Naval historians, World War II enthusiasts and local Contra Costa County residents alike.

Expect a walk through time and some unexpected discussion, including theories of secrets, spies and bombs.  

There's so much more to the story.

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Doors open at 4:00 p.m. Dean’s talk begins at4:30 p.m. Book signing to follow immediately.

* * Some of Dean’s research papers and historic documents as well as photographs and original newspapers from the time will be on display for viewing before and after his talk. * *

Admission is $10 for CCCHS members, $20 for non-members.

RSVP is requested.  RSVP online, call (925) 229-1042 or email us at mkting@cocohistory.org

Downtown parking is free on Sundays.

Beverages and snacks will be available for purchase at the Campbell Theater lobby bar. Complimentary waters provided by CCCHS.

‍All proceeds benefit the preservation work of the Contra Costa County Historical Society.

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About the Speaker

Dean McLeod, a full time professional genealogist for over 40 years, (15 years in the San Francisco area) used his highly developed researching skills to bring the Port Chicago disaster story to life.  He studied the land and people around Port Chicago for more than 15 years to develop his Arcadia Images of America book Port Chicago.  He is also the author of the Arcadia Images of America book Bay Point, and others.

Dean earned his Bachelor's degree at Brigham Young University and was a founder of The Association of Professional Genealogists in 1980. He has studied the native peoples and local history of Contra Costa County for over two decades and has traveled extensively around the United States and Great Britain doing archival research.

While living in Contra Costa County, Dean served on several local historical societies and volunteered additional time to help with countless archival projects and speaking engagements.

Dean and his wife currently reside in Florida with their cat Silver.

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