Have you ever wondered how avocados made their way to America? Rob Crisell, author of California Avocados: A Delicious History, will explore key events in the rise of California’s avocado industry including how avocados became popular in California. As part of the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History’s Talk & Talkback Speaker Series, Crisell will discuss how avocados won the “war on fat” in food, why Haas avocados are so popular, and the most important avocado recipes in history.

The 2025 Talk & Talkback Speaker Series is hosted by the Carpinteria Valley Museum of History. Avocado Land: The History of California’s Avocado Industry will be held on Friday, Aug. 8 from 5 p. m. to 6 p.m. at the museum, 956 Maple Ave. in downtown Carpinteria. The talk is free for members of the museum and $10 per person for visitors.

"Rob Crisell is an avocado historian and enthusiast," said Jayme Yahr, the museum's director. "The museum looks forward to a fun, informative, and locally important talk on all things avocado.” For more information on the Talk & Talkback Speaker Series, volunteering at the museum, or other questions, call (805) 684-3112, email info@carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org, or visit carpinteriahistoricalmuseum.org.