1949
Holly born into a family that encourages creativity.
1955
Having made friends with Native American children at grammar school, begins to witness racism for the first time.
1958
Sings in a talent contest in Ukiah, at a Veterans of Foreign Wars talent competition.
1959
Sings at Talmage Mental Hospital – an experience that shapes young Holly’s consciousness of mental illness, as well as how many of the programs in mental hospitals and prisons are under-funded
1961
While at the Perry-Mansfield music camp in Colorado works with nationally acknowledged dance, theater and music teachers
1964
Starts high school in Ukiah, California. Joins a student committee dedicated to changing the dress code.
1965
Near family gets a TV. News footage of the civil rights movement very influential on young Holly.
1966
Protests the military recruiters on campus at Ukiah High School.
1967
Wins Bank of America Achievement Award in the field of Fine Arts.
1967
Starts school at UCLA. Auditions for theater arts program singing Pirate Jenny from Threepenny Opera.