Calling all baseball fans: The Catalina Island Museum is celebrating all things baseball, especially the Chicago Cubs during its upcoming First Fridays at the Museum.
The evening will feature a slideshow lecture by Wrigley Field Ambassador Guide and noted Cubs historian Brian Bernardoni, a baseball-themed art project, hotdogs, a variety of ballpark snacks and more. First Fridays at the Museum takes place on Friday, March 1, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Called “one of the great experts on Wrigley Field” by Chicago Cubs owner and chairman Tom Ricketts, Bernardoni is a Cubs historian, archivist and life-long fan. For more than 20 years this native Chicagoan has been widely recognized and highly regarded as an expert on Wrigley Field and the various ballparks of the Chicago Cubs, including the team’s practice field in Avalon Canyon. Bernardoni has significantly contributed to nearly a dozen books, numerous newspaper and magazine articles and two recent films on the Cubs: “We Believe” and “Chicago Cubs: The Heart & Soul of Chicago.” His contributions to the legend of Chicago baseball are almost too many to mention. For his service to the team since 1998, Bernardoni was awarded a 2016 World Series Ring by the Chicago Cubs National League Ball Club. He will be bringing that ring and other memorabilia for his slideshow lecture in the museum’s Ackerman Family Amphitheater. The lecture will begin at 7:00 pm. The evening will also include a baseball-themed art project for all ages, hotdogs and a variety of ballpark snacks.
Upon William Wrigley Jr.’s purchase of Catalina Island in 1919, he saw the great potential in crossover promotions between his beloved baseball team and the island. For a span of 30 years—beginning in 1921—the Chicago Cubs traveled to Catalina Island every February and March for spring training. This is just one example of his vision and commitment to transform the island into a world-class resort destination. Visit the museum’s new exhibition, Wrigley’s Catalina: A Centennial Celebration, to learn more.
First Fridays at the Museum will take place on Friday, March 1st from 6 to 9 p.m. The museum will re-open for this event at 6 p.m. The slideshow lecture will begin at 7 p.m. and is outside so dress warmly. The art project will be available throughout the evening. Supplies are included. Tickets are $20 for museum members, $25 for non-members and $5 for children (ages 3-15). All children must be accompanied by an adult. Each ticket includes the lecture, art project, hotdogs and ballpark snacks. A specialty cocktail, wine, beer, soda and water will be available for purchase. No outside food or drink allowed.
Tickets may be purchased in person at the museum, online via CatalinaMuseum.org, or by phone at 310-510-2414. Visit CatalinaMuseum.org for more information.
The Catalina Island Museum offers the best in art and history exhibitions, music and dance performances, lectures by guest speakers from all over the world, and the finest in silent, documentary and international film. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except New Year’s Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The museum’s new Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building is located in the heart of Avalon at 217 Metropole Ave. For more information, call 310-510-2414 or visit CatalinaMuseum.org.
