By Lookout Staff

March 8, 2012 -- You would be mistaken if you thought Arcadia Bandini de Baker was only known as being the women behind the successful co-founder of Santa Monica.

The daughter of a wealthy and prominent Rancho owner in San Diego, Arcadia took charge of the family business holdings after marrying Colonel Robert S. Baker in 1875, including what would become Santa Monica.

After her husband's death, Arcadia and Santa Monica co-founder Senator John P. Jones became the primary stockholders of the Santa Monica Land and Water Company, whose stockholders donated land for churches, public schools, parks and buildings.

"She was strong when it came to business, but was compassionate and kind to those in need," Santa Monica History Museum officials wrote in a statement.

On March 18, the museum and the Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club will host "A Tribute to Dynamic Women of the Past," among them Arcadia Bandini de Baker, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1350 7th Street.

The Status of Women Commission photo posters of the women being featured will be on display at the Museum in celebration of Women's National History Month during the month of March.

The commission has been promoting this year's theme of Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment with a month of events throughout the City designed to "support and promote women’s achievements, courage and creativity."

A photography exhibit of Santa Monica women throughout history is on display at the the Santa Monica History Museum until the end of the month.

“Santa Monica is a first class city filled with exceptional and visionary women in our community who are leading the way, said Laurel Rosen, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, which is co-sponsoring the activities.
 
Seats for the March 18 event are limited. For reservations ($5) email: info@santamonicahistory.org or call 310-395-2290.

For more information on the schedule of events, visit COSW’s website at www.smgov.net/cosw.