Hard Times in the OC

May 18, 2013–April 27, 2014

This installation in the Gallery of California History co-curated with faculty and students at California State University Fullerton focuses on the effects of the 2008 recession in Orange County. Hard Times in the OC is the second in the series titled What’s Happening, California? a partnership between OMCA and California State University in which professors and students co-create exhibitions on topics affecting communities throughout the state. Led by OMCA’s Associate Curator of Contemporary History and Trends Suzanne Fischer and CSU Fullerton history professor Dr. Benjamin Cawthra, the exhibition explores the theme of resilience in the face of economic setbacks, through a presentation of artifacts including protest puppets, tools of laid-off workers, and oral history interviews. The resulting exhibition portrays a range of experiences and challenges of the people of Orange County during the recession, reflecting the Oakland Museum of California’s mission to connect communities to the cultural and environmental heritage of California.

This project is supported in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

CSUF-titling-final-web
This puppet, used to protest the policies of former CSU Chancellor Charles Reed, appears in the installation. Courtesy of John Belleci.
An informal memorial to Kelly Thomas, maintained by Fullerton residents. In 2011, Thomas, homeless and diagnosed with schizophrenia, died after a brutal police beating in downtown Fullerton. The incident roiled Fullerton, leading the resignation of the police chief, the recall of three city council members, and criminal charges against three officers. Photos by Kamalla Bennett.
Oral histories of Fullerton residents play at listening stations throughout the interactive exhibit. Oakland Museum of California, 2013. Photo: Ryan LeBlanc.
Visitors explore the interactive exhibit. Oakland Museum of California, 2013. Photo: Ryan LeBlanc.
A visitor at one of the listening stations in front of the puppet of former CSU Chancellor Charles Reed. Oakland Museum of California, 2013. Photo: Ryan LeBlanc.
The entrance to the installation in the Gallery of California History. Oakland Museum of California, 2013. Photo: Ryan LeBlanc.
Past exhibitions