Pasadena Museum of History

Introduction

The Pasadena Museum of History, located in Los Angeles, United States, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley. Established in 1924, just fifty years after the founding of Pasadena, the museum began its journey as the Pasadena Historical Society, with the mission to collect, preserve, and exhibit materials that document the city's early history. From its humble beginnings with a single filing cabinet of materials collected by volunteers, the museum has evolved into a significant repository of local history and art (Pasadena Museum of History).

The museum's journey has been marked by notable milestones, including the relocation to the historic Fenyes Estate in 1970, a Pasadena Cultural Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This move heralded a new era of growth and development, enabling the museum to expand its facilities and collections. Today, the museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and artworks that span from 1834 to the present, offering a comprehensive view of Pasadena's evolution (Pasadena Museum of History).

Visitors to the Pasadena Museum of History can explore a variety of exhibits and features, including the elegant Fenyes Mansion, the Curtin House, and the serene Estate Garden. The museum also actively engages with the community through a variety of public programs, exhibits, tours, lectures, and workshops, promoting an appreciation of history, culture, arts, and sciences relevant to Pasadena and adjoining communities (Pasadena Museum of History). As the museum celebrates its Centennial Anniversary in 2024, it continues to invite the community to join in commemorating its rich history and planning for its future (Pasadena Museum of History).

History of the Pasadena Museum of History

Founding and Early Years

The Pasadena Museum of History traces its origins back to 1924, just fifty years after the founding of the City of Pasadena by members of the Indiana Colony along the banks of the Arroyo Seco. The museum was initially established as the Pasadena Historical Society, with the mission to collect, preserve, and exhibit materials documenting the city's early history. This mission was ambitious for its time, especially considering that the initial collection consisted of just one filing cabinet of materials collected by volunteers (Pasadena Museum of History).

Growth and Relocation

In 1932, the Pasadena Historical Society's collection found a more permanent home in a room specifically designed for it within the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. However, by 1958, the collection had outgrown this space, necessitating a move to the Pasadena Public Library. Here, the collection continued to be maintained by dedicated volunteers (Pasadena Museum of History).

Establishment at the Fenyes Estate

A significant milestone in the museum's history occurred in 1970, when the Paloheimo family generously donated the historic two-acre Fenyes Estate to the museum. This estate, a Pasadena Cultural Landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places, became the museum's new headquarters. The move to the Fenyes Estate marked a new era of growth and development for the museum (Pasadena Museum of History).

Expansion and Modernization

The museum continued to expand its facilities and collections over the following decades. In 1993, the History Center was completed to house the museum's research library and archival storage areas, accommodating the growing collections. By 2000, the museum had added galleries, conference rooms, a museum store, and administrative offices, further enhancing its ability to serve the community and fulfill its mission (Pasadena Museum of History).

Collections and Exhibits

The Pasadena Museum of History boasts an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and artworks related to the history of Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley. The collection spans from 1834 to the present and includes over 1,000,000 historic photographs, rare books, manuscripts, maps, architectural records, textiles, ceramics, and furnishings. The museum's art collection features works by well-known plein air painters such as Benjamin Chambers Brown, Richard E. Miller, and Carl Oscar Borg (Pasadena Museum of History).

Notable Features and Facilities

The museum's campus includes several notable features and facilities:

• Fenyes Mansion: An elegant cultural landmark with original furnishings and an art collection, located on Pasadena's historic Millionaire's Row. The mansion is open for tours on select dates (Pasadena Museum of History).
• Curtin House: Another historic building on the museum grounds.
• Estate Garden: Open during museum hours, providing a serene environment for visitors.
• Finnish Folk Art Museum: Currently closed, this museum is part of the larger museum complex.
• History Center: Houses the museum store, galleries, and the research library and archives (Pasadena Museum of History).

Community Engagement and Events

The Pasadena Museum of History actively engages with the community through a variety of public programs, including exhibits, tours, lectures, seminars, and workshops. These programs aim to promote an appreciation of history, culture, arts, and sciences relevant to Pasadena and adjoining communities (Pasadena Museum of History).

Centennial Celebrations

In 2024, the Pasadena Museum of History celebrates its Centennial Anniversary. Special events, including a Centennial Gala on November 9, 2024, are planned to commemorate this milestone. The museum invites the community to join in celebrating its rich history and planning for its future (Pasadena Museum of History).

Research Library and Archives

The museum's research library and archives are a vital resource for historians, researchers, and the general public. The collection is the largest and most comprehensive related to the history of Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley. It includes well over 1,000,000 historic photographs, rare books, manuscripts, maps, architectural records, and more. The library and archives are open to the public free of charge on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm (Pasadena Museum of History).

Visitor Information

Visiting Hours

The Pasadena Museum of History is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum's website for the latest visiting hours and any special holiday closures (Pasadena Museum of History).

Tickets

General admission to the Pasadena Museum of History's exhibition galleries is priced at $9, with senior admission at $7. Members, students, and visitors under 18 enjoy free admission. The museum also participates in the nationwide Blue Star Museums program, offering free admission to active-duty military personnel and their families. Additionally, the museum provides free admission to the exhibition galleries on the first Wednesday of every month to visitors who live or work in Pasadena and neighboring communities (Pasadena Museum of History).

Nearby Attractions

Visitors to the Pasadena Museum of History can also explore several nearby attractions, enriching their experience of Pasadena's cultural heritage. Notable nearby sites include:

• Norton Simon Museum: Renowned for its impressive art collection, just a short drive from the Pasadena Museum of History.
• Old Pasadena: A vibrant historic district with shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
• The Gamble House: An exceptional example of American Arts and Crafts architecture, located nearby.
• Arlington Garden: A lovely public garden offering a peaceful retreat.

Location and Contact Information

The Pasadena Museum of History is located at 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91103. For more information, visitors can contact the museum via email at [email protected] or by phone at 626.577.1660. The museum's hours and operations can be affected by the schedule at the nearby Rose Bowl Stadium, so it is advisable to check in advance (Pasadena Museum of History).

Photography and Filming

All outdoor photography and videography, including wedding and portrait shoots, commercial shoots, and filming, require a permit and advanced scheduling. Interested parties can text 626.720.3544 or email [email protected] for scheduling (Pasadena Museum of History).

COVID-19 Safety Protocols

The Pasadena Museum of History has implemented safety protocols in accordance with Los Angeles County and City of Pasadena guidelines to ensure the health and safety of its visitors. These protocols are subject to change, so visitors are encouraged to check the museum's website for the latest information (Pasadena Museum of History).

FAQ

• Q: What are the Pasadena Museum of History visiting hours?

  • A: The museum is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm.

• Q: How much are tickets to the Pasadena Museum of History?

  • A: General admission is $9, senior admission is $7, and members, students, and visitors under 18 enjoy free admission.

• Q: Where is the Pasadena Museum of History located?

  • A: The museum is located at 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena, CA 91103.

• Q: Are there any nearby attractions to visit?

  • A: Yes, nearby attractions include the Norton Simon Museum, Old Pasadena, The Gamble House, and Arlington Garden.