News and Press Releases

Recently NBC's Matt Lauer interviewed Los Osos author and Hearst Castle researcher Victoria Kastner on the "Today" show.
Kastner and photographer Victoria Garagliano collaborated on "Hearst's San Simeon: The Gardens and the Land", their second book about media magnate William Randolph Hearst's former estate, a state park since 1958. The book describes how and why Hearst brought the art and feeling of Renaissance Spain to the Central Coast area he loved so much. View the Video at MSNBC.com

Amaaaazing! Huell Howser to spread some California Gold on Friends of Hearst Castle's Enchanted Evening Benefit
San Simeon, CA, August 28, 2009 - Attired in a old fashioned bathing suit, Huell Howser, host of Public Television's California's Gold and an avid fan of Hearst Castle and supporter of California State Parks, dove into the story: The successful bidder of the coveted Neptune Pool private swim party for ten invited Howser to take the dip of his lifetime.

Hooked on the experience, Howser is serving as the affable emcee of the September 26, 2009 Enchanted Evening, when once again a Neptune Pool swim and other phenomenal Hearst Castle adventures will go to the block to support Friends of Hearst Castle, a nonprofit organization dedicated to art preservation and education. Encore offerings are joined by new auction items, such as this year's South African six-day photo Safari in recognition of the wild animals in residence at "the ranch", now known as Hearst Castle.

"I'm very excited about the evening," says Howser. His popular, long- running PBS show tours California exploring its many treasures. "I want our stories to reveal the wonders of the human spirit and the richness of life in California, including its history, people, culture and natural wonders. The stories Hearst Castle tells are truly inspiring." Full of surprises, Howser adds, "And, I had always dreamed of swimming in the Neptune Pool." Read More...

50 Years: Programs and Events at Hearst Castle are Growing & Going Strong
The final event in a year-long celebration marking 50 years of public access to Hearst Castle®, the June 6 Twilight on the Terrace, continues the Hearst Castle experience of excellence. Cause for celebration for years to come, educational programs and events have been initiated to commemorate the 50th. Read More...

Twilight on the Terrace 2008
It was a breathtaking evening to sip, savor and stroll among the splendor of gardens in full bloom and bask in the dramatic hues of a San Simeon sunset. Read More...

Piedras Blancas Light Station
Lighthouses have been a part of our maritime history for many centuries. As aides to navigation for ships along the coast, they were a welcome sight and sound to mariners in ascertaining their locations before the age of modern navigational systems with satellites and global positioning systems. Read More...

50th Golden Anniversary - A Friendly Opportunity to
Experience Hearst Castle®
Friends of Hearst Castle, a nonprofit cooperating association affiliated with Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, proudly announces a year of celebration to commemorate 50 years of public tours. Read More...

MBNMS Coastal Discovery Center Now Open!
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Discovery Center is now open to visitors at San Simeon Bay. Read More...

Friends Sponsors Tours for Youth Groups.
As part of its commitment to education—and the role Hearst Castle can play in the lives of at-risk youth—FHC sponsored two groups for inspirational afternoons at the museum. Read More...

FHC members receive priority mailing to exclusive events, including
Holiday Feast, Enchanted Evening and Twilight on the Terrace.

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