Malcolm Margolin

Malcolm Margolin was a renowned American author and publisher who made significant contributions to the field of history. Born in 1940, he founded Heyday Books, an independent nonprofit publisher, in 1974, and served as its executive director until his retirement in 2015. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in overseeing the publication of numerous books and the creation of two quarterly magazines, News from Native California and Bay Nature, which focused on the history and cultural concerns of California Indians and the natural history of the San Francisco Bay Area, respectively.

Throughout his career, Margolin demonstrated a deep commitment to preserving and promoting the cultural and natural heritage of California. After retiring from Heyday Books, he established the California Institute for Community, Art, and Nature in 2017, aiming to expand upon his life's work. This new enterprise allowed him to continue exploring the intersections of community, art, and nature, building upon the foundation he laid over four decades. Margolin passed away in 2025, leaving behind a legacy as a dedicated author, publisher, and advocate for California's rich history and cultural landscape.