Upcoming Speaker Series

Books, Films and Music and the Vietnam War

Perspectives from the CIA: 

A Complete Arc of the Vietnam Conflict

Join U.S. Army veteran Paul Todd for an exploration of the literature, music and films that emerged from the Vietnam War. Todd will examine  a range of literary and cultural materials, including novels, memoirs and selected historical accounts, with particular emphasis on Vietnam War fiction that conveys the lived experiences of Vietnam veterans. He'll also provide a critical assessment of cinematic representations of the conflict, evaluating how films construct, distort or accurately portray the realities of Vietnam. 

When: Saturday, Aug. 29, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center –

Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center

How much: Free admission and parking

More info: Call 714-708-1613 to RSVP.

Take a compelling look at America’s involvement in Vietnam through the eyes of two CIA operatives who witnessed the conflict from start to finish. Frank Scotton developed grassroots defense programs and worked alongside the CIA on high-stakes intelligence missions throughout the war. Frank Snepp became a top analyst of enemy intentions, and helped evacuate South Vietnam’s president before becoming one of the last Americans airlifted from the embassy as the city fell.

When: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center –

Heroes Hall Museum & Education Center

How much: Free admission and parking

More info: Call 714-708-1613 to RSVP.

Heroes Hall is located next to Centennial Farm on the OC Fairgrounds. The museum is open to the public year-round.

OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa is home to the annual OC Fair. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Serenity Walk, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Support of OC Fair & Event Center provides year-round educational opportunities and helps fund community give-back programs.