This talk will discuss the emergence of cultural resources within the Park movement in California. It will highlight the contributions of three giants who left important legacies for today- Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., Aubrey Neasham, and Francis A. Riddell. Other examples beyond California will provide context for early historic preservation activities.
John Foster attended UC Santa Barbara as an undergraduate and transferred to UCLA where he graduated in with a degree in Anthropology. He continued his studies at Long Beach State, where he was awarded an MA degree in 1973. He continued his graduate studies at the University of Arizona before returning to California to begin his career with State Parks. In 1975 John accepted a position in the Cultural Heritage Section of State Parks in Sacramento. He became the assistant archaeologist to Francis A “Fritz” Riddell, the first California State Archaeologist hired outside an academic setting. He was assigned to “ride herd on the cultural resources of the State Park System,” and that has allowed him to record, investigate and preserve historic sites and archaeological features throughout California. Prehistoric rock art became a special interest to him because it allows a glimpse into the world view of its creators. John was president of SAS for seven years and continues to be a board member.
