Events

On July 8, 2025,  the Quinn Research Center (QRC) partnered with the 18th Street Arts Center for a walking tour along Santa Monica’s historic Broadway corridor. QRC co‑founders Bill and Carolyne Edwards led participants through the neighborhood’s past. They explained that the QRC preserves and shares the stories of Black families and culture in the Santa…

We’re honored to share that Carolyne and Bill Edwards—the dedicated founders of the Quinn Research Center—will be recognized at Communitas 2025, hosted by The Church in Ocean Park. This special evening brings together storytellers and changemakers who reflect our commitment to preserving and uplifting community history. Event DetailsWhen: Saturday, May 17, 2024 • 5:00 PM…

Santa Monica Conservancy Annual Meeting & Reception Join the Conservancy to hear about upcoming heritage-conservation programs and partnerships, then continue the conversation over light refreshments at the Santa Monica History Museum. Quinn Research Center founder Carolyne Edwards will lead a special tour of the “From the Ground Up: The Life of Vernon Brunson” exhibition—an exploration…

Quinn Research Center will take part in a panel discussion at the 10th Annual Black History Greens Festival, highlighting the rich legacy of Virginia Avenue Park and its significance in Santa Monica’s Black history. The festival, held on Feb. 22 at Virginia Avenue Park, celebrates the community’s pioneers, including Dr. Alfred T. Quinn, and features…

Quinn Research Center played a key role in securing landmark status for the Tucker House, home of Dr. Marcus O. Tucker, Santa Monica’s first Black physician. Designed by renowned architect Paul Revere Williams, the house stands as a testament to the Tucker family’s lasting contributions to medicine, real estate, and civil rights in the community.…

The Quinn Research Center (QRC) has been proud to partner with the Santa Monica History Museum in presenting From the Ground Up: The Life of Vernon Brunson, an exhibition celebrating Brunson’s contributions to civil rights, aviation, and the arts. A true renaissance man, Brunson’s legacy reflects the innovation and resilience of Santa Monica’s Black community—values…

The Santa Monica Conservancy and the QRC were successful in co-sponsoring the Philomathean Charity Club Inc building, to be designated as a Santa Monica landmark. The building is located at 18th and Broadway. A plaque will be installed in early 2025.

On November 8, 2024, the Santa Monica Black Empowerment Association (SMBEA) will host its 2nd Annual Unity Gala at the Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club, celebrating Black history, excellence, and community impact. A key highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Dr. Alfred Quinn Award, named in honor of the legacy preserved…

Two new murals by artist Karla Diaz, We Are Santa Monica at the Santa Monica Public Library and Youth Powerful Voices at Virginia Avenue Park Teen Center, celebrate the Broadway and Pico neighborhoods through stories of racial justice, cultural equity, and community strength. Created through community workshops, these murals build on the partnership between 18th…

On Sunday, June 30th 2024, in an online webinar, Carolyn Edwards from the Quinn Research Center will be discussing Vernon Brunson, a Santa Monica resident who designed many structures in the community. Mosaic: Groundbreakers is a joint presentation of the Santa Monica Conservancy, the Santa Monica History Museum, and the Quinn Research Center. The program is free for…

QRC hosted a table at the Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 15th, 2024 and the 10th anniversary of the Pico Library on June 29th, 2024. Photo courtesy of Santos Nuñez.  

The Philomathean Club building located at 18th Street and Broadway in Santa Monica was awarded landmark status by the Santa Monica Landmarks Commission on Monday, April 8th, 2024. This event was part of the Quinn Research Center project. The Philomathean Club, established in 1921, is the oldest African American women’s club in Santa Monica, Los…