HISTORY

The History Department is committed to preservation, research, and public access that enable people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to understand and appreciate the history and culture of the United States, California and the West, with an emphasis on Southern California.

The History Department collections are administered according to format.  The Seaver Center for Western History Research houses the two-dimensional archival collections which include manuscript materials, books, serials, pamphlets, broadsides, maps, posters, prints, and photographs.  The Material Culture section houses the three-dimensional objects, such as aircraft, costume and textiles, and firearms as well as fine and decorative arts.  The History Department’s motion picture memorabilia collection is internationally renowned while its automotive collection contains numerous nationally significant vehicles.  History also oversees one of the nation’s finest Hispanic collections documenting the Californio lifestyle.

Interested in history mysteries?  The History Collections are home to many a strange object, like a mercury vapor light bank from the silent film era written about here.

Support the History Department by making a donation to the Museum Fund today and help us reveal more amazing stories.