Pasadena Museum of History

Pasadena Museum of History is a private, nonprofit museum and research library located in Pasadena, California. It is the only institution dedicated to the history, art and culture of historic Pasadena and the west San Gabriel Valley. Headquartered on the grounds of a century-old Pasadena estate, facilities include the Pasadena Museum History Center, the Fenyes Estate and gardens, a research library and archives, the Curtin House, and the Finnish Folk Art Museum. With public exhibits, tours, lectures, seminars, and workshops, the Pasadena Museum of History promotes an appreciation of history, culture, arts and sciences relevant to Pasadena and adjoining communities.HistoryThe City of Pasadena was founded in 1874, when members of the Indiana Colony settled along the banks of the Arroyo Seco. In 1924, the Pasadena Historical Society began to collect information about the area’s history, with one filing cabinet of material collected by volunteers. In 1932, the historical society was given a room at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. In 1958, the collection moved to the Pasadena Public Library where it was maintained by volunteers. In 1970, thanks to a gift from the Paloheimo family, the museum moved to its present location on the grounds on the historic two-acre Fenyes Estate.In 1993, the History Center was completed to house the research library and archival storage areas for the museum’s growing collections. In 2000, the museum added galleries, conference rooms, a museum store, and administrative offices.The museum is open to the public and offers special exhibits, tours, lectures, seminars and workshops on aspects of local architecture, fine art, literature, science, social issues, personal histories, and exceptional historic achievements.(1) Tours are also offered to students in area schools. Pasadena Museum of History is supported by admission fees, and donations from corporations, businesses, foundations and members of the Museum.