SAN SIMEON, CA, FEBRUARY 12, 2023 — We’re thrilled to share the exciting news that we’ve surpassed our goal of 12 S.T.E.A.M tours for the year and officially hit our max of 15! It’s a remarkable achievement that underscores our commitment to inspiring and educating young minds through our unique S.T.E.A.M Program. What is the S.T.E.A.M Program? Our S.T.E.A.M Program is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a journey of exploration and self-discovery. We aim to provide engaging and hands-on experiences that not only delve into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math but also inspire our students to envision the endless possibilities that lie ahead. We aim to inspire our visitors to reflect on how the knowledge and experiences gained during our tours can influence their future aspirations and self-perception. Just as pioneering architect and engineer Julia Morgan built Hearst Castle a century ago, and William Randolph Hearst who had the vision to bring it to life, we want our students to recognize that they too have the power to dream big and turn their aspirations into reality. Join the Adventure! As we celebrate the success of our past S.T.E.A.M tours, we’re thrilled to extend a warm invitation to all members to join our upcoming enriching adventures. These custom tours of notable landmarks, along with interactive workshops and guided explorations, offer immersive experiences aligned with grade-appropriate S.T.E.A.M curriculum. Furthermore, we wholeheartedly encourage you to take part in the tours you’ve played a pivotal role in bringing to life, allowing you to directly witness the profound impact of your contributions on our students’ educational journeys. January 19th Shafter Youth Center February 9th El Sausal Middle School February 16th Peoples Self Help Housing Group February 23rd San Lucas Elementary School March 1st Fairgrove Elementary School March 8th Oak Avenue Elementary School March 15th Palm Avenue Middle School March 22nd Virginia Peterson Elementary School April 19th Branch Elementary School April 26th Monarch Grove Elementary School May 3rd San Ardo Elementary May 10th Loma Vista Community School May 17th Shell Beach Elementary School May 24th Cambria Grammar School May 31st Community Action Partnership of SLO The Experience What makes our S.T.E.A.M Program even more special is the opportunity to introduce children to experiences they may have never encountered before. Imagine, for instance, some of the kids have never seen the beaches.In our upcoming tours, we have selected destinations where these young minds will have the chance to behold the beauty of the beach for the very first time, enhancing their educational journey with an added sense of wonder and excitement. Our S.T.E.A.M Program isn’t just about guiding students through tours—it’s about facilitating a transformative journey for both them and our participants. It’s about witnessing the sheer joy of discovery, the excitement of learning, and the profound impact it has on young minds. But more than that, it’s about embarking on a deeply personal journey of growth and inspiration. As we set forth on this path together, let’s aim to make this more than just an educational experience for kids. Let’s make it a personal journey—a voyage of self-discovery and enlightenment. […]
Meet The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s Newest Board Members
In early 2022, The Foundation at Hearst Castle added four new board members, Gail Cayetano-Classick, Sam Mazzeo, Christopher Burgart, and Bob Priola.
A View From the Past: Christmas in San Simeon
Kristin Rasmussen recounts her grandmother’s recollection of Christmas in San Simeon in the 1920s. Grandma Norma grew up in San Simeon, CA at the foot of Hearst Castle.
Airbnb Online Experience Receives 5- Star Ratings and Stellar Reviews
5-star reviews! The 75-minute livestream tour of Hearst Castle is only available via Airbnb’s Online Experience platform and 100% of revenues benefit The Foundation at Hearst Castle.
2021 Update & Game Plan
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.
Our Focus During Shelter-in-Place
While the world around us changes rapidly, we are thankful for the constant peace and beauty provided by CA State Parks, especially Hearst Castle.
Hearst Castle Nonprofit to Host Extraordinary Holiday Dinner in the Iconic Refectory
A key fundraising event for the nonprofit association, in addition to a wine-paired dinner, guests will enjoy musical entertainment and professional yuletide guest portraits. San Simeon, CA, Sept. 23, 2019 — The Foundation at Hearst Castle will host a glamorous Holiday Feast at Hearst Castle on Saturday, December 7th… just like William Randolph Hearst used to do decades ago. The festively elegant evening will begin with a luxury coach ride to the hilltop castle, where guests will be welcomed with a sparkling wine reception on a heated terrace overlooking the renowned Neptune Pool, which reopened last Fall after a major restoration. Holiday revelers will continue to the iconic Refectory of William Randolph Hearst’s former estate for an epicurean feast to remember. Mr. Hearst and architect Julia Morgan named the dining room after the word for a monastery’s dining hall. Its high windows, bright silk banners, and gleaming silver candlesticks convey the atmosphere of the Middle Ages, but the mustard and ketchup bottles show that Mr. Hearst liked to keep things informal at his ranch. The Holiday Feast presents a rare opportunity to experience the legendary estate the way Mr. Hearst’s guests enjoyed it in the 1920s and 30s, albeit perhaps a bit more posh. The evening of December 7th will be drenched in history and a level of formality not often experienced on the Central Coast. No more than 75 guests will delight in this year’s fundraising fête. Past menus have included hors d’oeuvres of lobster, foie gras and oysters, and courses of crispy duck confit with mushrooms and goat cheese, braised beef short rib with mascarpone polenta and gremolata, and a dessert of molten-center chocolate soufflé cake with espresso ice cream sandwich and bourbon- chocolate truffle. This year will serve equally impressive gourmet fare accompanied by fine wines. This fundraising event is only open to members of The Foundation at Hearst Castle. Annual membership starts at $500/year or $42/month; however, anyone is welcome to become a member. Reservations for the Holiday Feast will be limited to 75 guests and require an additional donation of $1500/person until October 31st, when the requirement will increase. This year, The Foundation is focused on raising funds for full-time conservation staff, as well as expanding their STEAM Program, designed to inspire underserved middle school students across California. The Holiday Feast — although sure to be absolutely luxurious — will be carefully produced to maximize net revenues while providing attendees the ultimate holiday experience at Hearst Castle. The black-tie affair is limited to 75 guests. To make a reservation, click here. To become a member, click here. About The Foundation The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission is to support the conservation and restoration of Hearst Castle, and to offer youth programs for underserved middle school students — to enhance the appreciation of the art and architecture of this world-class museum and monument, ultimately enriching the visitor experience and inspiring future generations of visionaries. The Foundation at Hearst Castle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks. EIN 77-0068533. Using […]