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I’ve always looked at preservation as a very personal passion. Whether you are interested in preserving old houses, keeping family memories alive, revitalizing your downtown, helping the sick, feeding the hungry, rescuing animals, or looking after our vast natural resources, everybody has a “passion”—although they may not know it. That passion lies deep within your heart and it fuels your day-to-day travels through life, even when you’re not aware of it. Some of us may have just one passion; some of us have many. Whatever drives you to be the caretaker of a cause becomes your passion. And it doesn’t have to be on a grandiose scale. The tiniest bit of what’s in your heart will do it! Growing up in Pasadena, I became fascinated early-on with the grand homes and mansions throughout the area—large Mediterranean estates, grand Craftsman bungalows, sprawling ranchers, and ultra-modern mid-century structures. I did not live in one of these houses. I grew up in a modest house built by my dad’s own hand after WWII, when the only lumber available was green and plumbing fixtures and appliances were second-hand. My dad even built me a playhouse out of scrap wood from a refrigerator packing crate. It was rustic, but to me it was a castle and made me feel like a princess. My dad worked as a milkman for a local dairy. His delivery route took him to the prestigious estates of Pasadena’s wealthy upper-class, where he would interact with maids and butlers up before dawn, long before their employers stirred. Dad’s stories about his milk delivery adventures gave me a glimpse into a life I would have otherwise not known about. His stories left an impression on my adventurous imagination and I began to see far beyond the confines of my little world. Imagine living in a real castle… or a palace. Imagine being a real princess! When I grew up, I went to college, where I studied art and found I was particularly interested in architectural history. I became fascinated with one particular style of architecture abundant throughout Pasadena—the imposing, shingle-style, American Craftsmans that stood in the older neighborhoods. I was saddened to see so many of them demolished and replaced with big, blocky apartment houses or strip malls. These old homes were solid structures designed by architects who meant for them to last. They had survived earthquakes, wildfires, multiple owners, and being chopped up into rundown boarding houses with peeling paint and iron bars across the windows. But the “bones” of these once grand structures were still there, solid and strong.  What stories could they tell? How could we hear them? How could we preserve them? Years later, I moved to the Central Coast of California… and there it was! A mansion, in fact a Castle, perched on a hilltop overlooking an 18-mile stretch of Pacific coastline in a place called San Simeon. One man’s dream—one man’s passion—brought to fruition by a diminutive woman architect: La Cuesta Encantada, the Enchanted Hill. Hearst Castle was once home to media mogul William Randolph Hearst and the diminutive woman architect was the incomparable Julia Morgan.  […]

Kristin Rasmussen shares a story about her Grandma Norma, who grew up in San Simeon, CA at the foot of Hearst Castle. She was awed by W.R. Hearst’s warehouse treasures.

We anxiously await the green light to host charity events again at Hearst Castle. One CA State Parks deems it safe to do so, we will communicate broadly to members and fans. If you have an existing reservation to an event at the Neptune Pool, Roman Pool, or Casa del Mar and the theater, you will be given first priority in choosing a new date once availability is confirmed.

Kristin Rasmussen describes the village of San Simeon, Sebastian’s General Store, and the Bay View Hotel during the time Grandmother Norma grew up there.

We need your help to continue this special livestream + tangible experience. We know that combining education and inspiration in a memorable environment makes a lasting impact.

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of past FHC board member and president Dr. Lynn Frady Kelley-Enoch on March 5, 2021.

In early 2022, The Foundation at Hearst Castle added four new board members, Gail Cayetano-Classick, Sam Mazzeo, Christopher Burgart, and Bob Priola.

Nonprofit president serves as a role model for California students in underserved communities

New program integrates STEAM disciplines and inspires underserved students to broaden their horizons

A Message From Our New President, Abe Marquez–the Ultimate Role Model for our STEAM Program Students