Sand Rush: The Revival of the Beach in Twentieth-Century Los Angeles
2024
Saturday, May 11, at 2:00 PM
Historian Elsa Devienne will present her new book “Sand Rush: The Revival of the Beach in Twentieth-Century Los Angeles” at the Santa Monica History Museum on Saturday, May 11, at 2:00 PM.
Drawing from historical archives, anthropology, and cultural artifacts, Devienne showcases the beach’s pivotal role in urban history and its impact on issues such as real estate, race, environmental conservation, and modern beauty standards.
The book explores the formation of a “beach lobby” in the 1930s, which spearheaded efforts to reclaim and clean the beaches, paving the way for their modernization as havens for a mostly white, heterosexual middle class. Devienne also examines the cultural significance of Muscle Beach and the rise of surf culture, which helped shape Hollywood’s portrayal of physical beauty and leisure.
About the Author: Elsa Devienne is no stranger to accolades, having won the prestigious Willi Paul Adams Award from the Organization of American Historians for her outstanding contributions to American history. She is an Assistant Professor in US History at Northumbria University. Devienne is a sought-after expert, frequently appearing on radio, podcasts, and TV shows to discuss her research in both English and French.