- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Nevada City Today
By the People, for the People
Hank Meals Unveils Hidden Stories Behind Sierra Nevada Place Names
Renowned author and historian to present multimedia talk on the surprising tales behind local landmarks and geography.
Published on Feb. 10, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
On February 27, 2026, the Nevada Theatre in Nevada City, California will host an evening of storytelling and discovery with author and cultural historian Hank Meals. In his multimedia presentation "What's in a Name: Local Literature Lurking in a Lucid Landscape," Meals will explore the hidden histories and human experiences reflected in the place names of the Sierra Nevada region.
Why it matters
Meals' talk offers a unique perspective on the Sierra Nevada landscape, revealing how place names serve as portals into the values, adventures, and imaginations of the people who shaped the region over time. By rethinking the landscape as a living narrative, the presentation invites audiences to develop a deeper appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of their local environment.
The details
Meals, a lifelong resident of the region, has spent decades as a photographer, archaeologist, and writer documenting the natural and cultural terrain of Northern California. His books, including "The River: Hiking Trails and History of the South Fork of the Yuba River" and "Yuba Trails: A Selection of Hiking Experiences in the Historic Watershed," have established him as a trusted voice on the connection between place and story.
- The event will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7:30 PM.
- Doors will open at 7 PM.
The players
Hank Meals
An author, archaeologist, and cultural historian who has spent decades exploring and documenting the natural and cultural history of the Sierra Nevada region.
Paul Emery
The presenter of the event, which is part of the Paul Emery Music series.
Nevada Theatre
The historic venue in Nevada City, California where the event will be held.
What’s next
Tickets for the event are available online at https://paulemerymusic.com/.
The takeaway
Hank Meals' presentation offers a unique and engaging perspective on the cultural and historical significance of the Sierra Nevada landscape, inviting audiences to rethink their relationship with the places they inhabit and the stories they hold.
