Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre

Dear Friends and Supporters,

We are excited to announce an important initiative to honor the life and legacy of Helen Hunt Jackson, the esteemed author of Ramona, by securing a star for her on the Walk of Stars in Palm Springs.

Helen Hunt Jackson’s beloved novel, Ramona, has had a lasting impact on American literature and culture. For over 100 years, the annual Ramona Outdoor Play and the pageantry surrounding it has brought her story to life at the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre in Hemet, California, captivating audiences with its powerful portrayal of Native American rights, love, and social justice—values Ms. Jackson was deeply passionate about.

A prolific writer turned activist, Helen Hunt Jackson was one of the most important figures advocating for Native American rights in the United States in the late 19th century. In 1881, she delivered copies of her scathing book, A Century of Dishonor, in person to every member of Congress. Ms. Jackson paid for the copies herself. She wanted to bring awareness to the heinous treatment of the indigenous people who had lived on the land long before the United States of America was formed. She aimed to persuade Congress to change policy and "redeem the name of the United States government and white settlers."

Although her bold act led to the creation of the Indian Rights Association and other activist groups, for the most part, Ms. Jackson's accusations fell on deaf ears.

She then decided to follow the example of her friend, Harriet Beecher Stowe, hoping that by writing a beautiful yet tragic love story, her novel, Ramona, could change the hearts and minds of the American people concerning “Native Americans.” Ramona became one of the biggest sellers of the 19th Century and, to this day, has never gone out of print.

Ramona became the source material for five feature films in the following decades. In 1923, an annual play based on her book, Ramona, was created for an outdoor amphitheater in the beautiful hills of Hemet, California. The production, lovingly referred to by locals as "The Ramona Pageant," celebrated its 100th anniversary in the spring of 2023, and will continue the tradition this spring.

Ms. Jackson died in 1885, never knowing the impact her epic depiction of life in the earliest years of Southern California would have. It wasn't until 2023 that Helen Hunt Jackson became the first and only female writer in California to be honored with an Official California Literary Landmark for her remarkable literary work.

Now, it’s time to ensure that Helen’s contributions are recognized in a lasting and visible way. By contributing to this campaign, you'll help secure a star on the Walk of Stars, celebrating her remarkable achievements and enduring influence on literature and social change.

Your support will allow Helen Hunt Jackson’s legacy to shine alongside other icons in the heart of Palm Springs. No donation is too small—every bit brings us closer to making this tribute a reality.

Thank you for helping us honor this literary legend!