Michael Hardwick Oral History

Michael Hardwick Oral History

Michael Hardwick came to Santa Barbara in the 1960s to attend UCSB. While he began as a pre-med student, he developed an interest in local Santa Barbara history and decided to pursue his degree in archaeology. He became involved with SBTHP in 1970 and served as board member for 17 years. Michael contributed to several major Trust projects including the reconstruction of the Presidio Chapel and even participated in early archaeological digs around the Presidio grounds. Michael was also instrumental in founding Los Soldados del Real Presidio de Santa Barbara, an organization which provides living history re-enactments of old Presidio soldiers, and personally dons the role of California’s first governor Felipe de Neve. Michael’s work has contributed much to the continual celebration of Santa Barbara’s past.

Above photo: Michael in character as California’s first governor Felipe de Neve.

Clip 1: According to Michael, it is the work and dedication of local community members that has led to the development of El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park.

Clip 2: Michael describes the origins of Los Soldados and the living history program which he helped bring to the Presidio.

Clip 3: Believing that re-enactment of historical personas a key way for the public to experience the past, Michael discusses bringing Felipe de Neve back to life.

*To hear the entire oral history interview or additional clips, please make an appointment with the Presidio Research Center at (805) 966-5073.

August 8, 2012

SBTHP

Barbara Lindemann

Michael Hardwick

Research Center, SBTHP

1 hr, 17 min