This famous building is a family museum of historical architectural buildings. Here, one can learn more about the settlement and development of Southern California. Visitors of all ages will be able to discover more about the period from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. Los Angeles Future tells more about the daily life of the citizens of this region in the Victorian era.
Museum’s history
The Industrial Revolution and the great land boom took place during the 1880s. The architecture of Los Angeles was complex and eclectic at that time. The features of the European design were well received by the townspeople. During this period, transport technologies were improved and expanded. Factories began to manufacture mass-produced goods at prices affordable to the middle class.
We would like to tell more about the architecture of those times, which was characterized by gable roofs, window turrets and intricate wooden details. After the development of the city in the late 1960s, these elements were under threat.
The response to the daily destruction of unique buildings and their elements was the gathering of a group of prominent citizens with the assistance of the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission. One of them was the former director of the Southwest Museum, Carl Denzel. They began to plan a house as a future museum to preserve those structures that were in danger of disappearing.
Funding was limited, so the next step was to establish the Southern California Cultural Heritage Foundation. This made it possible to attract funds in the private sector. The foundation is a federally tax-exempt nonprofit organization that has begun raising funds to relocate buildings that are in danger of disappearing.
Since 1969, the museum’s history began with the restoration of important buildings from all over LA. The buildings were transferred to the museum to avoid disappearance. Since then, they have played an important role in the preservation and understanding of local history.
The main goals of the foundation
The founders of the museum had two main goals.
- Preserving an important era in Los Angeles history for future generations. The architecture and household items of the Victorian era allow you to get a unique insight into the life of Los Angeles residents in the past. Preserving these artifacts allows future generations to learn and appreciate them.
- The second goal was to create a connection between the past, present and future. Thus, the museum has become the place where you can explore the history of Los Angeles, as well as think about the impact of the events of the past on the present.
These two goals are intertwined. The work of the museum is critical in helping visitors understand what the city used to be like and how to build a better future for Los Angeles.
The initial plan
According to records, the original plan was made for a residential area in the uptown. It would be filled with houses, a church, a railway depot, a stage and a commercial area in the central part of the city (a bank, a shop, an ice cream parlor and a restaurant). One could balance entertainment and rest with the help of a museum experience.
Over five decades, the museum has managed to restore eight historically significant buildings. The original purpose of the museum has changed over the years, meeting the changing needs of the community.
It should be noted that the restoration of the museum is expensive. For this, it is necessary to use only original materials, for example, plaster on the interior walls and not plasterboard.
Heritage Square Museum: interesting facts
- There are many official accounts of interesting paranormal phenomena that occur in the museum. Visitors often ask if the house is haunted. The museum administration does not think so.
- The museum has a country park and receives minimal or no funding from the city government. Heritage Square Museum’s income is generated through the sale of entrance tickets, rental of territories, sale of museum exhibits and generous donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.
- A professional photo session on the territory of the museum requires prior consent. If you are found with anything other than personal photos while visiting the museum, you will be asked to leave the premises.
- Photography is prohibited inside the building. The administration explains this with security considerations and motivation to protect the collection and ephemera.
- Self-guided tours of the buildings are also prohibited, but museum workers can guide visitors through the buildings and tell their history as part of the tour.
Heritage Square Museum is located at 3800 Homer Street, north of downtown Los Angeles off the 110 freeway. It is open Saturday and Sunday. The museum shop is open from 11 AM to 5 PM, with tours at 12 PM and 3 PM.
