Superintendent Dan Falat of the San Luis Obispo Coast District of CA State Parks says the torrential rains which washed out part of Highway One also created issues for the road that architect/civil engineer Julia Morgan designed up the hill to the historical monument.
Unveiling the Beauty: Conservation Work on Hearst Castle’s Flemish Tapestries
SAN SIMEON, CA, JULY 25, 2024 — The ongoing FHC-funded conservation work on the three magnificent Flemish tapestries in the Hearst Castle Theater lobby is progressing beautifully. We’re excited to share that the first tapestry, “The Burning of the Numidian Camp,” has been completed and is ready for re-installation. Currently, conservation efforts are focused on the second tapestry, “The Conference of Scipio and Hannibal.” Textile conservator Ann Svenson is meticulously working on this piece, uncovering incredible details, particularly in the sections featuring woven gold. We’ve captured a series of photographs to illustrate the painstaking conservation process, starting with an overall view of the tapestry and zooming in until only a single strand of gold is visible. These images showcase the intricate process of creating gold “thread” in the 16th century. Artisans would wrap incredibly thin strips of gold around silk fibers, which were then woven into or affixed to the tapestries. The craftsmanship and patience required for this task are truly beyond imagination! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to preserve and celebrate these historic treasures. About The Foundation at Hearst Castle Established in 1985, The Foundation at Hearst Castle (formerly called Friends of Hearst Castle) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cooperating association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California State Parks. Through membership and fundraising, The Foundation supports educational, interpretive, and preservation programs for Hearst Castle and California State Parks. Through the Foundation, businesses, philanthropic organizations, and individuals can provide support and engagement with Hearst Castle. To find out more about The Foundation at Hearst Castle, please visit www.foundationathearstcastle.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to stay in the loop on the latest news and updates. 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.
Exciting Expansion for Our STEAM Program
SAN SIMEON, CA, JULY 23, 2024 — We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program for the upcoming year. Building on the success of last year’s initiative, where we hosted up to 14 schools and served over 600 students, we are now increasing our capacity to accommodate 25 schools and aim to serve over 1,000 students. How can we achieve this? To achieve this ambitious goal, we will be doubling our operational days, offering two tours each day. This change will provide greater flexibility in scheduling, making it easier for more schools to participate with the dates available. By doing so, we hope to extend the opportunity for hands-on learning and exploration to a broader audience of eager young minds. This expansion wouldn’t be possible without the support of our dedicated state park staff. Their commitment to excellence and passion for education make them incredible guides for the student tours at the castle. We extend our heartfelt thanks to them for their ongoing assistance and expertise, which are crucial to the success of our program. Our STEAM program is more than just an educational initiative; it’s a journey of exploration and self-discovery. We strive to provide engaging, hands-on experiences that delve into the realms of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math, while also inspiring our students to envision the endless possibilities that lie ahead. Just as Julia Morgan, the pioneering architect and engineer, built Hearst Castle a century ago, we want our students to see that they, too, can dream big and achieve their goals through dedication and creativity. As part of our program, students will engage in a variety of activities designed to both inspire and educate. At the beach, they will explore wildlife, dive into marine science, practice nature journaling, and learn about park careers. At the visitor center, students will participate in hands-on experiences that emphasize the historical and technological developments of our time. These experiences are crafted to provide valuable insights into the evolution of technology and its impact on society, all while aligning with California State Content Standards. Thank You To Our Donors We are also grateful to our donors, who play a pivotal role in the success of our STEAM program. We invite them to shadow our tours to see firsthand the impact of their contributions on the students who participate in our program. New Fundraising Goal To support this significant expansion, our fundraising goal for this year is set at $80,000. These funds will be used for various needs, including supplies, expanding our program, providing lunches and morning snacks, and covering transportation costs. We believe that with support, we can reach this goal and continue to provide enriching and inspiring experiences for our students. Looking Ahead As our program evolves, so does our commitment to excellence. We are focused on continually updating our resources and refining our activities to offer even more enriching experiences. The genuine excitement and curiosity we observe in students, particularly those encountering the beach for the first time, underscore the remarkable potential for learning and growth. Our mission is to […]
The Foundation at Hearst Castle Welcomes New Executive Director and Board Members
SAN SIMEON, CA, JUNE 24, 2024 — The Foundation at Hearst Castle is thrilled to announce the appointment of Doug Jenzen as its new Executive Director, along with welcoming Lisa Haas and Susan Boutonnet as the newest members of its board of directors. These appointments come at an exciting time as the Foundation continues to enhance its efforts in preserving the cultural and historical integrity of this iconic landmark. Doug Jenzen brings over 29 years of experience in nonprofit leadership to his new role as Executive Director of the Foundation at Hearst Castle. Previously, as Vice President of Engagement and Access at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, Doug led a diverse team, managing a thriving retail and visitor experience operation. His strategic leadership not only increased visitor engagement significantly but also transformed the museum store into an educational resource that contributed notably to the center’s financial health. A Cal Poly graduate, Doug’s previous work in California’s central coast also includes uncovering and restoring a nearly century-old Cecil B. DeMille movie set. As Executive Director, Jenzen will be overseeing all aspects of the organization – including the management and growth of membership, pursuing grant opportunities, strategic planning, budget implementation, and securing ongoing funding. “Doug’s dedication to inclusivity and accessibility is evident through his initiatives to ensure that all community members – regardless of physical, cultural, or economic barriers – can engage with and enjoy the benefits of educational and cultural resources,” says Schuyler Hoversten, President of The Foundation at Hearst Castle Board. “His strategic planning abilities and commitment to heritage conservation are expected to drive significant advancements in the Foundation’s efforts to preserve and enhance the historical integrity of Hearst Castle. Doug’s innovative approaches and deep understanding of the nonprofit landscape will be instrumental as he leads the Foundation towards new heights in the coming years.” Lisa Haas joins the board of the Foundation at Hearst Castle with over 25 years of expertise in the Specialty Finish field as a leading decorative artist and licensed painting contractor in Northern California. Her work, which adorns both residential and commercial spaces locally and internationally, showcases her mastery in creating and restoring visually stunning environments. Lisa’s artistic skills extend beyond traditional aesthetics – she brings a unique blend of creativity and technical knowledge that is vital for the meticulous restoration projects at Hearst Castle. Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa is deeply invested in community engagement and education. Her commitment to the community is exemplified in her teaching of Mycology classes, which combine her love for science and nature. Lisa’s diverse background, from managing a full-time crew of talented painters to her innovative work in the decorative arts, positions her as a dynamic contributor to the Foundation’s board, enhancing both its conservation efforts and its mission to connect the public with the artistic and historical significance of Hearst Castle. Susan Boutonnet, a seventh-generation Californian, joins the Foundation at Hearst Castle with a robust background in community development and property management. As a partner at Village 5 LLC, Susan has been instrumental in providing safe and affordable housing solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to […]
A Date With Hearst: Saturday, November 9, 2024
Enjoy an intimate, seated dinner paired with fine wine and followed by a film screened in Hearst Castle’s private theater lit by golden goddesses all along the red damask walls.
A Date With Hearst: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Enjoy an intimate, seated dinner paired with fine wine and followed by a film screened in Hearst Castle’s private theater lit by golden goddesses all along the red damask walls.
A Date With Hearst: Saturday, March 2, 2024
Enjoy an intimate, seated dinner paired with fine wine and followed by a film screened in Hearst Castle’s private theater lit by golden goddesses all along the red damask walls.
A Date With Hearst: Saturday, February 10, 2024
Enjoy an intimate, seated dinner paired with fine wine and followed by a film screened in Hearst Castle’s private theater lit by golden goddesses all along the red damask walls.
Please Welcome Our New Operations Coordinator – Mia Fuggetta
SAN SIMEON, CA, NOVEMBER 9, 2023 — The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s mission is to support the conservation and restoration of Hearst Castle in addition to offering youth programs to underserved students aiming to inspire and empower future generations. Our ability to execute our mission takes many talented staff and we are pleased to announce that we’ve brought on Mia Fuggetta to our team. “As we continue to grow in achieving our strategies direction we can only achieve organizational success by adding and empowering the talents of Mia Fuggetta who will embark on their role as Operations Coordinator for the Foundation ” says Mitch Massey, Executive Director. Mia will handle a multitude of responsibilities working closely with Vanessa Robbins, the Director of Operations and Marketing. She will be responsible for organizing S.T.E.A.M tours, assisting with fundraising events, and will facilitate member management. Having joined the team October 2, 2023, Mia is already showing how much of an impact she’ll have on the organization and we couldn’t be more excited to have her. “Having Mia on the FHC team has been a dream come true! Within a month she’s shown how valuable she truly is and will be to our organization given her background – not to mention her work ethic is outstanding. I’m excited to be entering 2024 with her by my side and look forward to executing our mission as a team,” says Vanessa Robbins. “My desire to join the Hearst Castle Foundation is deeply rooted in a personal connection that dates back to my childhood. Visiting the castle left an indelible impression on me, igniting a passion for its rich history and cultural significance. Now, as the Operations Coordinator, I am driven by the opportunity to contribute to the Foundation’s mission and help underserved students experience the same sense of wonder and appreciation for the history that fills the castle’s walls.” “In my role, I aim to enhance our members’ experiences and elevate the quality of events, creating memorable moments that resonate with the unique magic of Hearst Castle. Drawing inspiration from the enchantment felt during visits, I will curate experiences that foster a sense of wonder for the history within the castle’s walls, ensuring each interaction becomes a distinctive and unforgettable journey for our esteemed members and event attendees. Cheers to 2024 and preserving our beloved landmark,” states Mia Fuggetta. The Foundation at Hearst Castle strives to support all members’ experiences. You can learn how to become a member and support our mission at Support Us | Foundation At Hearst Castle 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.
The Foundation at Hearst Castle Announces A New Board Member
SAN SIMEON, CA, SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 — The Board of Directors for The Foundation at Hearst Castle is pleased to announce that Douglas Ayres , Partner in the Ayres Hotels Collection, which includes The Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles, a property he developed and designed, has joined the Foundations Board of Directors. “Having Douglass join our board is very personal for me as we grew up together in Newport Beach and I have such admiration for his love of art and culture which compliments his business acumen,” says Mitch Massey, Executive Director for The Foundation at Hearst Castle. ‘I am very honored to be a board member of the Foundation at Hearst Castle”, says Douglas Ayres, Partner, Ayres Hotels Collection. “The memory is clear when I first visited the castle when I was 8 years old, It was awe-inspiring by the vision and building of what WR Hearst and Julia Morgan had accomplished,” adds Ayres. My love of art and architecture today was influenced over the many years of returning to tour the castle. Allegretto Resort is my version of the influences of my travels and collections of art & artifacts weaving together a symphony of Joy,” adds Ayres. Douglas was instrumental in creating the updated European ambiance for which the Ayres Hotels collection is known. He brings a William Randolph Hearst feel to our foundation considering Douglas was taken with the beauty and agriculture of the Central Coast region and has populated the hotel with arts and artifacts from his many travels throughout South America, Asia, Europe and beyond. On a personal note, Douglas has competed in five transpacific sailboat ocean races. On land, he travels around the world often with his wife Michelle and he is an avid winemaker. The Foundation at Hearst Castle’s Board consists of Christopher Burgart (Director), Gail Cayetano-Classic (Director), Victor Herrera (Director), Margaret Klevins (Director), Sam Mazzeo (Director), Bob Priola (Director), Dia Rianda (Director), Pilaar Terry (Director), Bill Thoma (Director), Nikki Wilmore (Director), Kristin Rasmussen (Treasurer), Evelyn Plemons (Secretary) Schuyler Hoversten (Vice President), Abraham Marquez (Board President) — View the full board here and learn more about the foundation here. The Foundation at Hearst Castle is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit association affiliated with Hearst SanSimeon State Historical Monument® and the San Luis Obispo Coast District of California StateParks. EIN 77-0068533.


