Videos

CVHS Grand Opening, Dec. 2013

Mar 25, 2026

This video captures one of the most significant events in the history of the Historical Society: the Grand Opening of the History Center Museum in December 2013. Then President Reggie Jones gave the opening introductory speech followed by volunteers Donna Zahn, Kim Williams, and Jeff Ohlson with ex-President Ellsworth Gregory giving a final historical overview.

KSBW Little League Grand Opening

Mar 25, 2026

Carmel Valley Little League – More than just a ballgame! During the weekend of March 7th & 8th, 2026, the History Center celebrated the Grand Opening of its newest and most comprehensive exhibit yet, as featured in this video coverage by local news station KSBW. Visitors to the museum can step back in time to learn why the baseball program was such an integral part of the community here.

History of the Jamesburg Earth Station

Mar 24, 2026

This talk on the Jamesburg Earth Station was given by CVHS Historian Jeff Ohlson at the Canterbury Woods Retirement Home in Pacific Grove, CA on March 2nd, 2026. Jeff covered how JES was involved in bringing the Apollo 11 moonwalk TV to the world as well as when JES was built by Communications Satellite Corporation in the late 1960s and what its status is today. Approximately 32 min video with audio.

1953 F-51D Crash in Carmel Valley

Feb 18, 2026

On February 6, 1953, while the Korean War was still raging, F-51D Mustang fighter pilot 1st Lt. John Maxey and 8 other F-51Ds took off from Castle Air Force Base for a live fire demonstration at Fort Ord; Castle was located just 80 miles northeast of Ft. Ord. Maxey’s Mustang, however, had problems from the onset and he ended up bailing out over the Oppenheimer Ranch (now the Santa Lucia Preserve) and his Mustang crashed in nearby Garzas Canyon. This is a recording of a talk that Jeff Ohlson gave to an aviation group at the Monterey Elks Club on February 17, 2026. He gives a detailed account of the incident that is now part of Carmel Valley’s rich history and folklore.

Brands and Branding of Carmel Valley

Jul 5, 2024

In this video, Jeff covers the early brands of California through branding in Carmel Valley from the 1860s to present. He also covers how to read brands and how rustlers changed brands by using the infamous “running iron”.

Even old ranchers in the audience enjoyed this look back on this centuries-old subject.

Presented by the Community Foundation of the Carmel Valley Trail & Saddle Club, at the Trail & Saddle Club Clubhouse on June 23, 2024.

The History Center’s “Talking Machine”

Oct 11, 2023

Many millions of 78 rpm recordings were pressed on shellac (beetle resin) records between 1898 and 1950. Records are played on the museum’s 1909 Columbia Disc Graphophone that is wound up like a clock to play – no batteries needed or electricity attached. For the full story, click here.

See & Hear the Village Bell Ring!

Dec 19, 2022

Some may not know that an old Yosemite railroad train bell sits atop the Village Shopping Center. Silent for many years, it was rung during the 2022 Santa Fly-In parade to the enjoyment of nearby revelers.

The complete story of the bell was chronicled in the December 2022 Carmel Valley Historian Newsletter.

A History of the Cachagua Fire Department

Sep 19, 2020

An overview of the history of Carmel Valley’s Cachagua Fire Department. This presentation takes you from its formative days of the mid-1970s to present. The presentation includes the history of the department’s founders and directors, its volunteer firefighters and their rigorous training, their fire vehicles, its legendary fundraising and community support, and major fire incidents.

Thumbnail photo courtesy Trish Hansen.

A History of Ranching in Carmel Valley

Oct 11, 2019

Historical Society historian Jeff Ohlson presented a talk at the Salinas Church of the Good Shepherd’s Double Nickels luncheon group on September 11, 2019. The subject was “A History of Ranching in Carmel Valley” which was based on his book of the same title. Over 70 were in attendance which was one of their highest turnouts and a good lunch and time were had by all.

50th Anniversary of Apollo 11 Moon Landing

Jun 5, 2019

Jeff Ohlson of the Carmel Valley Historical Society speaks on the important role the Jamesburg Earth Station in Carmel Valley played in delivering the live TV signal of Neil Armstrong’s first steps on the moon in July, 1969.

This presentation was made as part of the ‘First Saturday’ series at the Carmel Valley Branch Library.