Nathaniel Smith arrived in Mendocino County in the 1850s and is believed to be the first African American to settle on the coast. His life story is revealed through photos, clippings, and artifacts in this Kelley House Museum exhibit. Smith was at one time “known to every man, woman and child on the coast.” This exhibition presents details of Nathaniel Smith's life set against the history of California’s treatment of people of color.
Besides the exhibit, which is open ever week, we are hosting a special event on March 23 at 4pm with guest presentations from Susan Anderson, Curator at the California African American Museum and Alexander Wood, Guest Curator. Purchase advance tickets.
This project was made possible with support from California Humanities.