Wings of the Hornet — From History Research to a Published Book
Sunday, October 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM PDT – 12:00 PM PDT
10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014
Most people are taught the conclusions of history, never how it is actually made. In this free two-hour workshop the twelve student authors of a forthcoming book show you the real process — finding sources, reading them critically, turning a pile of notes into a chapter. Then you write a short passage yourself.
What we will cover: where history actually lives (archives, logbooks, photographs and oral history, including the vast amount never digitized); how to read a primary source; how notes become a chapter; and a short test-writing exercise from a real USS Hornet document, which we read together in the room.
The book — Wings of the Hornet: The Airmen and Aircraft of CV-8 and CV-12 in the Pacific War — was researched aboard the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum in Alameda by twelve high school writers, and publishes in April 2027. They are joined by George Retelas, Historic Advisor and Editor at the USS Hornet Museum.
Where: Cupertino Library, Community Room 201 — 2nd floor, near the Quiet Study Room. Please check in at the Adult Reference Desk, open from 10:00 AM.
Free and open to the public. No ticket, no fee.
This program is not sponsored by Cupertino Union School District and opinions are not necessarily those of the school district or school personnel.
