Explore Local History Museums in Los Angeles

1. Discover Local History Museums in Los Angeles

This article presents a selection of museums in Los Angeles that focus on the area’s unique history. These venues provide insights into how the city evolved, offering educational chances to learn about the multi-faceted cultural heritage of Los Angeles.

2. Importance of Local Museums

Local history museums allow visitors to delve into the past of various neighborhoods, showcasing the evolution of communities rather than the broader history of civilization.

3. Explore Featured Museums

The following sections detail several notable museums relevant to LA’s rich cultural tapestry.

The Archival Center at the San Fernando Mission

San Fernando Mission in Los Angeles, CA. Photo: Getty Images

15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd
Mission Hills, CA 91345-1109
(818) 361-0186
The Archival Center at the San Fernando Mission, run by the Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, encapsulates the Catholic history of LA and California before 1840.

Bolton Hall Museum in Tujunga

10110 Commerce Ave
Tujunga, CA 91042
(818) 352-3420
The Bolton Hall Museum is operated by the Little Landers Historical Society, highlighting the region’s history from the Gabrieleno Indians to the creation of the City of Tujunga. This stone building, constructed in 1913, was designated as LA City Cultural and Historical Landmark #2.

Covina Firehouse Jail Museum

125 East College Street
Covina, CA 91723
(626) 966-9871
The Covina Valley Historical Society oversees the 1911 Firehouse Jail Museum, showcasing the region’s orange industry. The museum is open Sundays from 1-3 pm, except holidays.

Downey Historical Society and History Center

12540 Rives Ave
Downey, California 90241
562-862-2777
This intimate museum, located across from the Downey Library, features photos, documents, and artifacts that narrate the city’s history. Open Wednesday, Thursday, and the 3rd Saturday of the month from 10 am to 2 pm.

The Duarte History Museum

777 Encanto Parkway
Duarte, CA 91009-0263
(626) 357-9419
Located in a former private residence, the Duarte History Museum covers the history of the Rancho Azusa land grant and the evolution of the area from multi-farm orange groves to housing developments.

El Monte Historical Society Museum

3150 Tyler Ave
El Monte, CA 91731
(626) 444-3813
Showcasing photographs and artifacts, the El Monte Historical Society Museum presents the establishment and development of El Monte.

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Site encompasses the oldest standing house in the city, the Avila Adobe, alongside Olvera Street’s Mexican Market, which features a pedestrian outdoor market surrounded by historic shops and restaurants. Enhance your understanding of LA’s Mexican heritage at the Visitor Center and other significant exhibits.

The Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage

380 West Huntington Drive
Arcadia CA 91006
(626) 574-5440
This museum features permanent and rotating exhibits that outline the area’s development from its early Native American residents through modern times.

Glendora Historical Society Museum

314 N Glendora Ave
Glendora, CA
The Glendora Historical Society Museum highlights local history within the framework of Glendora’s first city hall, showcasing numerous important artifacts.

Hermosa Beach Historical Society

710 Pier Avenue
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 318-9421
The Hermosa Beach Historical Society operates a museum within the community center, shedding light on the history of this coastal city.

Historical Society of Long Beach

4260 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807
(562) 424-2220
This gallery offers free access and features thematic exhibits showcasing specific aspects of Long Beach history.

Howard Museum in Burbank

115 Lomita Street
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 841-6333
The Gordon R. Howard Museum provides a unique perspective into Burbank’s history with its diverse collection across multiple buildings.

La Historia Society Museum/Museo de Los Barrios

3240 Tyler Avenue
El Monte, California
(626) 279-1954
This museum shares the stories of the nine barrios that have shaped the identity of the region, enriching the local culture and traditions.

Manhattan Beach Historical Society

1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard
Manhattan Beach, California 90266
(310) 374-7575
The society offers a glimpse into the local heritage within the 1905 beach cottage at Polliwog Park.

Orange County History Center

Old Courthouse Museum in Santa Ana, CA. Kayte Deioma

211 W Santa Ana Blvd # 201
Santa Ana, CA 92701-7004
(714) 973-6605
The Orange County History Center is situated in the former courthouse building, offering free admission to various exhibits focused on the history of Orange County.

Pasadena Museum of History

470 W. Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 577-1660
The Pasadena Museum of History offers informative exhibits about Pasadena and its historical evolution, including the impressive Feynes Mansion.

Pico Rivera Historical Museum

9122 Washington Blvd
Pico Rivera, CA 90660
(562) 949-7100
The Pico Rivera Historical Museum resides in an original train depot and focuses on the area’s origins as an agricultural and railroad shipping hub.

Ramona Museum of California History

339 S. Mission Drive (adjacent to San Gabriel Mission)
San Gabriel, CA
(626) 288-2026
Highlighting general California history, the Ramona Museum features collections that span from the 1600s to present. Open Saturdays from 1-4 pm.

Redondo Beach Historical Society

Located at Dominguez Park, the Redondo Beach Historical Museum houses a vast collection of memorabilia and artifacts reflecting the city’s history. It is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 pm.

San Fernando Valley Historical Society at the Andres Pico Adobe

Andres Pico Adobe
10940 Sepulveda Blvd
Mission Hills, CA 91346
(818) 365-7810
The San Fernando Valley Historical Society operates a museum dedicated to the region’s historical narratives within the historic Andres Pico Adobe.

Santa Monica History Museum

1350 7th Street (next to the Santa Monica Library)
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 395-2290
The Santa Monica History Museum features exhibits highlighting the significant individuals and events that have contributed to the city’s development.

Wells Fargo History Museum

333 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 253-7166
The free Wells Fargo Museum in Downtown LA showcases the historical significance of Wells Fargo stage coaches in Southern California’s development.