THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY SERVES SUNLAND, CALIFORNIA

Sunland - Historic postcard donated to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gary Fredburg 2009 - (click on image to enlarge)
2009 - The Year of Valley History

The caption on this historic postcard reads:
"Winter or Summer, the view from the Western edge of Sunland, California looking into the entrance of the Big Tujunga Canyon is awe inspiring and inspirational. The Canyon is a part of Angeles National forest and in a scenic locale for picnic or drive.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is organized to serve the community of Sunland, and all areas related to the greater Valley area.

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Center of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

CENSUS JOB FAIR IN PANORAMA CITY - FEBRUARY 7

Panorama City Neighborhood Council joins with the United States Census Bureau in sponsoring a Census Job Fair:

CENSUS JOB FAIR
Saturday, February 7, 2009, 10 AM to 2 PM
Panorama Mall
8400 Van Nuys Boulevard
Panorama City, CA 91402

The Census Bureau has opened an Early Local Census Office
(The Van Nuys ELCO) in Panorama City. The Census and the
neighborhood council are both located in the Valley Gateway
Building at 14500 Roscoe Boulevard, Panorama City CA 91402.

The Census Bureau will be hiring between 700 and 800 people
for work identifying housing units that begins in March. The
jobs are available in an area that stretches from the Antelope
Valley through most of the San Fernando Valley (except for
Glendale, Burbank and Sherman Oaks on the East) to Malibu,
Pacific Palisades and Santa Monica. Come to the Panorama
Mall on Saturday, February 7, to learn more about these jobs
and the application process.

For more information about the Census Job Fair, please call
the event chair, Jose Sandoval (818-984-2133). For recorded
information about census jobs, or to request an appointment
for testing, please call the census jobs line: 866-861-2010.


Tony Wilkinson
Chair, Board of Directors
Panorama City Neighborhood Council
14500 Roscoe Boulevard, Suite 425
Panorama City, CA 91402
818-714-2133
info@pcnc.us

lawilkinson@acm.org 818-785-9355



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PACOIMA IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Manfull Dairy Farm - Milk Cap - Gift of Gary Fredburg to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. (click on image to enlarge)

2009 - The Year of Valley History
Putting together the histories of San Fernando Valley suburbs is a never-ending job. Little attention was paid over the years to Pacoima, historically a small working class community at the northern edge of the City of Los Angeles. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is determined that the histories of the families who have lived and worked in Pacoima over the years will be collected, archived and shared with The Museum's audiences.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley serves the residents and industries of Pacoima.


The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

HUDSON BOMBER LOCKEED -

Historic Hudson Bomber - Lockeed Aircraft Company c 1939 - Postcard donated by Gary Fredburg 2009 to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. (click on image to enlarge)

2009 - The Year of Valley History - Special thanks to those who attended the Board Meeting of The Museum on Jan. 28th at the Economic Alliance. Bringing about a great Museum for the greater San Fernando Valley is lots of work. Aren't we lucky to have such dedicated and productive leaders.

A year after Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia, Lockheed Air Craft Company began the production of a bomber for the England's and Canada's Royal Air Force. It was christened the Hudson.
About 2500 of the airplanes were built. By the end of World War II this historic bomber was mostly out of service.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley collects, archives and presents San Fernando Valley Aviation History.

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AROUND 1914

Viewing Platform at Universal Studios c 1912-1915. Historic postcard - gift of Gary Fredburg 2009 to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)
2009 -
. The Year of Valley History
In the year 1912, Carl Laemmle extended his motion picture business to California. He purchased property once owned by the Lankershim Land and Water Company, at the edge of the Los Angeles River and began making movies right away. He named his San Fernando Valley based operations, Universal City.
The sight, where Universal Studios stands today, was so useful for film making, that between 1914 and 1915, Laemmle moved his headquarters and main studio productions to the Valley.
The cinema-going audience has long been fascinated with how films are made, and Carl Laemmle knew a good thing when he saw it. Platforms were strategically placed around Universal Studios. This was the ancestor of the world famous Universal Studios Tours of today.

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

CHANGE OF MUSEUM BOARD MEETING LOCATION

Ramona Housing Design - Historic Postcard of Panorama City - Gift from Gary Fredburg - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

The Boards of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley will be meeting tonight (January 28th) at the Valley Economic Alliance at
5121 Van Nuys Boulevard. 5:30 pm

Take the 101 freeway to Van Nuys Blvd.
turn north.
It's about 1/4th of a mile on the left side of the street next to a Burger King. Three story brick building.
You will need to park on the street, but at 5:30 pm there should be plenty of room.

WEAR A WARM SWEATER OR COAT - the room gets cold (I think).
Jerry Fecht

MEGASTAR TOM SELLECK - SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLE

Detail of Bronze Horse - commercial sculpture - Sherman Oaks 2006 - photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

On the 29th of January, Tom Selleck celebrates a birthday. He was born in Detroit in 1945.
As a boy, Tom, moved with his family to Sherman Oaks. He graduated from U.S. Grant High School in Valley Glen and took classes at L.A. Valley College. At the University of Southern California, Selleck played Trojan basketball and was encouraged by one of his teachers to take acting classes.
In the late 1960s Tom Selleck began to do minor film roles. His big break came in the television series Magnum, P.I. The show lasted eight seasons, making him a mega-star in the eyes of millions. Today, Tom Selleck lives in Thousand Oaks.
2009 - The Year of Valley History

Your Museum seeks photographs and biographical information on Tom Selleck and other notables who were born, or who have lived and worked in the San Fernando Valley. Call 1 (818) 347-9665.

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLE ACTOR ERNEST BORGNINE

Some of the best places to take out-of-town visitors bent on seeing a film or television "star" is a good show business deli. A couple of years ago, I took my sister and brother-in-law to Jerry's Deli in Studio City. They were so excited about seeing the great old performer Earnest Borgnine that they picked up our tab.
Ernest Bognine, whose long time residence has been in Studio City, was born on January 24, 1919. He won an Oscar as "Best Actor" for his performance in the film Marty.

2009 - The Year of Valley History.

Your Museum needs volunteers for our Valley Notables Project. Help is needed in identifying important persons who were born, raised, went to school or college, or made significant contributions to our history or culture. You can help by simply doing research about a family member or neighbor. Additional information, such as photographs, letters, and interviews are very much appreciated. Want to help? Call your Museum today - 1 (818) 347-9665

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

ELIZABETH MORIN SITS ON PANEL ABOUT LOS ANGELES MURALS

Elizabeth Morin, member of the Board of Directors of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, will be on this exciting panel.

“Walls of Passion - The Murals of Los Angeles”
Photo-documentary exhibition of 32 murals from throughout the
Los Angeles Basin
Opening Reception Saturday, January 31, 2009 6 to 10 p.m.

Panel discussion with artists, experts, students and curator
Saturday, Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m.
Man One, Paul Botello, Kent Twitchell, Francisco Letelier, Dr. Holly Barnet-Sanchez, Dr. Roberto Cantú, Elizabeth Morín, Dr. Michelle Hawley, Isabel Rojas-Williams, and Justine Bae.

California State University, Los Angeles
Fine Arts Gallery 5151 State University Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90032
Gallery Hours: Monday-Thursday and Saturday, noon – 5 p.m. Admission free.

Exhibit background: http://tinyurl.com/Murals-of-LA
Map of mural locations: http://tinyurl.com/Murals-of-LA-map

The exhibition includes photos and analyses of murals by the following artists:
Paul Botello (assisted by Adalberto Ortiz, Gerardo Herrera, and Gustavo Sanchez)
David Botello
Dan Collins
El Congreso de Artistas Cosmicos de las Americas de San Diego (Mario Torero)
Rip Cronk
Boris Deutsch
Sandra Drinning
Dsyple One
Earth Crew (Erik “Duke” Montenegro , Benjamin James Frank, Jr., Rogelio “Angst” Cabral, and Joseph “Nuke” Montalvo. Coordinated by Helen Samuels)
The East Los Streetscapers
Charles Freeman
Roger Hayward
Francisco Letelier
Man One (Alex Poli)
Christina Miguel-Mullen & the East-West Community Partnership
Mister Cartoon and T Loko
George Samerjan
Terry Schoonhoven
Eliseo Silva
Thomas Suriya
Roderick Sykes and Jacqueline Alexander-Sykes
Nelyollotl Toltecatl
Eloy Torrez
Kent Twitchell
Richard Wyatt
John Zender-Estrada, Nuke, Chose, Siner, Zuco, Scud, Cahli, Shandu and Duce

Student photographers, project creators: Erick Altamirano, Justine Bae, Elif Castellanos, Fernando Cervantes, Lisbeth Espinosa, Leslie Jacobo, Laura Lesko, Jeanie Kim, Tiffany Kim, Nicole Marquez, Lesley Negrete, Isabel Rojas-Williams, Kasia Somerfeld, Tiffany Staines, Taneka Washington, and Manuel Aguilar-Moreno (professor).

Curated by the Art History Society at Cal State L.A.

Sponsored by Cal State L.A.’s Department of Art, American Communities Project, Art History Society, Reprographics, Cross-Cultural Centers and Associated Students, Inc.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLE JOURNALIST DANIEL PEARL

Mosaic American Flag by Studio City artist Karl Johnson - Photo taken for The Museum's Archives by Gerald Fecht 2009.

Daniel Pearl, one of the San Fernando Valley's most famous journalists, was kidnapped and murdered on this day, January 23, 2002 while reporting for the Wall Street Journal in Pakistan. Pearl, who grew up in Encino and graduated from Birmingham High School, was the Journal's South East Asia Bureau Chief at the time of his death. He was investigating Richard Reid's attempted destruction of an air plane with a shoe bomb. Daniel Pearl attended Portola Middle School in Tarzana and graduated as a member of Phi Beta Kappa from Stanford University.

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Become a member of your Museum Community by participating in the San Fernando Valley Notables Project. Submit your nominations to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley for this blog. After your information has been verified and permission to publish the images you have contributed, we will add your Notable to this blog and The Museum's Archives.
Call: 1 (818) 347-9665 today.

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLE ARTIST KARL JOHNSON

Hooded Figure - Mosaic by Karl Johnson - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Jerry Fecht 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Mosaic of a City - Mosaic by Karl Johnson - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Jerry Fecht 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Great Bouquet Mosaic - Mosaic by Karl Johnson - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Jerry Fecht 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

Mosaic Flowers - Mosaic by Karl Johnson - Photo for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Jerry Fecht 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLE JEFFREY DEAN MORGAN

Historic 1909 New Year Postcard - Collection of Museum Board Member Fred Berk - loaned to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

One of the most important "working actors" in the San Fernando Valley is Jeffrey Dean Morgan who resides in Toluca Lake. As a youth, Jeffrey planned on a career as a professional athlete but an leg injury took him into acting. Morgan has worked on many television productions including his most recent role as as Denny Duquette on Grey's Anatomy. He was born on January 22, 1966.

MUSEUM MEETING JANUARY 28th

Historic New Year Calendar Postcard 1909 - collection of Fred Berk - image loaned to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

MUSEUM MEETING WEDNESDAY EVENING JANUARY 28th
The Board of Directors and Advisors of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley meet Wednesday evening Jan 28th from 5:30 pm until 8:00 pm at Lankershim Arts Center, North Hollywood.
Executive Committee meets from 5:30 until 6 pm. The regular meeting begins at 6 pm.
Visitors interested in San Fernando Valley history and culture are welcomed.

If you have items that you wish to place on the meeting's agenda, please email them to Jerry Fecht or call The Museum at
(818) 347-9665 2009 The Year of San Fernando Valley History

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLE KATHERINE FLETCHER SHREVES

Today, January 21 is the birthday of San Fernando Valley notable Katherine Fletcher Shreves. Born in Eufala, Indian Territory in 1906, Katherine was one of earliest students to attend the Julliard School of Music in New York City. She and her husband Dorr came to North Hollywood shortly after the conclusion of World War II. Later, while living in Studio City, Ms. Shreves became the principle cellist for Republic Studios.
In the 1950s, musicians in the Republic Studio Orchestra were given one rehearsal before their work was recorded for a film. Katherine's position as the principal cellist saw her featured as a soloist for dozens of Republic's most successful film, including John Wayne's Quiet Man. Katherine is buried in Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills.

Early Morning in Los Angeles - Photograph by Phyllis Hansen 2009
Early January mornings in Los Angeles are a good reason to live in our city.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLE GENERAL JOHN C. FREMONT

On January 21, 1813, John C. Fremont was born. His destiny would take him across a largely unexplored North American continent and into Norte California, a province of Mexico. Fremont would engage Mexicans and Californianos, and eventually establish the dream of America's "Manifest Destiny" in a small adobe building that today we call Campo de Cahuenga. Fremont would go on to be the first Republican candidate for the Presidency of the United States, become a competitor to an inexperienced young politician from Illinois, Abraham Lincoln, and a general in the Union Army in the Civil War.

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Wild Parrots - photograph by Phyllis Hansen - 2009

Nothing says January in Los Angeles better than wild parrots in your garden. Thanks to Phyllis Hansen, member of the Board of Directors of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, for sharing her photograph.

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLE JANE RUSSELL

Jane Russell actress - historic postcard collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - gift of Gerald Fecht 2009 (click on image to enlarge)

One of the biggest motion picture celebrities of the 1940s was Van Nuys High School graduate, Jane Russell. Contracted by Howard Hughes, Jane would become one of the great symbols of her era. This image is part of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley's growing collection of "Valley notables."

SUPPORTING VALLEY FESTIVALS MAKE GREAT SENSE

Flags of California - Photo by Phyllis Hansen 2009 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

The Museum has many projects underway. You might ask, "why, since the Museum Community of the San Fernando Valley is at present without its own structure?" The answer lies in the importance of saving history now! In a moment of time, historical artifacts, personal stories, and historic explanations can disappear forever. But, there are other reasons why working on Museum projects can't wait around for a building. One of the most important of these is the vital support needed for San Fernando Valley historical organizations on an on-going basis.

In difficult times like this recession/depression, one readily hears arguments for not supporting the arts, historical preservation and "luxury" programs for children. If costs for civilization need to measured against economic "payoffs", supporting events such as the Campo de Cahuenga re-enactment held this week makes important economic sense. Each time people get out of their homes and off to Valley historic and cultural venues, they are likely to go to lunch, exercise their out-and-about times to purchase things or buy impulse items, or wear out those walking shoes.

Arts and culture make economic sense - just ask the citizens of Florence, Italy or little Ojai. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley calls for a collective effort to celebrate our reality of being in the center of the Cultural Capital of the World.

2009 - The Year of Valley History

SECRETARY OF THE ARTS PETITION

Quincy Jones has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts. While many other countries have had Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries, The United States has never created such a position. We in the arts need this and the country needs the arts--now more than ever. Please take a moment to sign this important petition and then pass it on to your friends and colleagues.

www.petitiononline.com/esnyc/petition.html

THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY CELEBRATES THE INAUGURATION OF BARAK OBAMA AS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

Mosaic of President Abraham Lincoln's oath of office - Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills. Photo by Gerald Fecht for the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

In nine days, Barack Hussein Obama will become the President of the United States of America. He will be administered the oath of office by the Chief Justice of the United States, John G. Roberts Jr. The President-elect has chosen to swear his loyalty to the Constitution of our Republic on the Bible used by President Abraham Lincoln for his inauguration in 1861. The Lincoln Bible is kept in the Library of Congress. It is bound in burgundy velvet with a gold-washed metal rim. Its edges are heavily gilded. The Bible was published by Oxford University Press.

2009 - The Year of Valley History

Van Nuys Townsite c. 1911 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley W.P. Whitsett knew that water and public transportation were essential to selling plots of land, "ideal for a little chicken ranch."
Celebrate 2009 - The Year of Valley History by joining the Museum Community. Call your Museum to get involved:
1 (818) 347-9665

Make sure that you, your family and friends aren't lost to San Fernando Valley history.

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLE BETTE DAVIS

The great actress Bette Davis never did anything "small" in her life. Her life was a series of great, self created adventures. Bette's grave overlooks the San Fernando Valley from the top of Forest lawn Cemetery in the Hollywood Hills. Legend has it tht she chose the site, so that she could look down on Harry Warner (Warner Brothers) for ever. One thing is for sure, nobody in the entertainment industry could afford to look down on her.
Bette Davis lived in a secluded neighborhood near historic Toluca Lake. Her history, biography and images are collected by The Museum of the San Fernando Valley as part of our Valley Notables Archives.

Bette Davis - Historic postcard in the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - gift from Gerald Fecht 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

"Acting should be bigger than life. Scripts should be bigger than life. It should all be bigger than life." Bette Davis

Gravesite of Bette Davis Hollywood Hills - Photo by Gerald Fecht for the archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

JEWISH COMMUNITIES IN THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

David King of Israel - Photo by Gerald Fecht 2009 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley (click on image to enlarge)

Jewish communities in the San Fernando Valley have long and complex histories. Your Museum collects artifacts related to Jewish culture and history in Southern California. The Museum Community invites those interested in helping the Museum to acquire information about Jewish individuals and organizations, to become part of this vital mission. Call today: 1 (818) 347-9665.

2009 - The Year of Valley History.

The image above is a detail from a mosaic of David being anointed by Saul king of Israel. See this work and many other excellent images at Mount Sinai Cemetery - 5950 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles 90068 (In the Hollywood Hills between Burbank and Griffith Park.)

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

FILIPINO AMERICAN LIBRARY OUTREACHES TO CHILDREN IN SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

LOS ANGELES (January 2009) – The first and largest Filipino library in the country continues to share Filipino children’s books to families around Greater Los Angeles. Through its Children’s Reading Program, the Filipino American Library (FAL) will have events on Saturday, January 24 at 2:00-3:30pm at the Panorama City Branch Library ( 14345 Roscoe Blvd. , Panorama City 91402 ) and Saturday, January 31 at 2:00-3:30pm at the Filipino American Library ( 135 N. Park View St. , Los Angeles 90026 ). Please RSVP to these free events by contacting filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net or 213-382-0488.

On January 24, the children will be introduced to the work of illustrator Hermes Alegre. The featured books are The Mats by Francisco Arcellana and Bahay Kubo. They will participate in an art project to create a foam placemat. This first part of the event, 2:00-2:45pm , is recommended for children ages 6-10. After refreshments, the children will learn some traditional Filipino nursery rhymes. This second part of the event, 3:00-3:30pm , is recommended for children ages 3-7. The event is co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Public Library.

On January 31, the event will highlight folktales about food, specifically rice and mango. The children will also learn how to make halo-halo, the popular Filipino dessert. It is recommended for children ages 6-10, but everyone is welcome. Featured stories are “The Three Crystal Boxes” and “The Chieftain’s Golden Heart” from Kneeling Carabao & Dancing Giants: Celebrating Filipino Festivals by Rena Krasno and illustrated by Ileana C. Lee. The event is co-sponsored by the Filipino American Service Group, Inc.

The FAL Children’s Reading Program promotes the love of reading and cultural diversity among children and their families through books and activities that feature different cultures and peoples. Admission is free and donations to FAL are accepted. Snacks and drinks are provided. It is coordinated by Celeste B. Diaz, the FAL Children’s Librarian. Ms. Diaz has 10 years experience working as an elementary school teacher and school librarian. The program is funded by grants from Walmart and Citigroup Foundation.

Founded on October 13, 1985 by “Auntie Helen” Agcaoili Summers Brown, FAL is the first and largest Filipino library in the country with a collection of more than 6,000 titles. Its mission is to actively promote the history, culture, and professional achievements of Filipinos and Filipino Americans through the book collection, leadership development, and cultural programming, thereby contributing to the achievement of a culturally dynamic, multiethnic America .

Given that FAL primarily survives on individual donations and one major annual fundraiser, it relies on its many supporters to continue its programs and services throughout the year. If anyone would like to give a donation online, please feel free to visit www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org. Checks may also be mailed to 135 N. Park View St. , Los Angeles , CA 90026 and made payable to “Filipino American Library”. All donations are 100% tax-deductible.

FAL is a division of the Filipino American Heritage Institute (Nonprofit Tax ID Number 95-4282571). It is open Mondays-Fridays 1:00-5:00pm and by appointment. For more information, please contact filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net or 213-382-0488.


JONATHAN LORENZO
Administrator
Filipino American Library (FAL)
135 N. Park View St.
Historic Filipinotown
Los Angeles, CA 90026-5215
Tel: 213-382-0488
Fax: 213-382-0478
Email: filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net
Donate Online: www.filipinoamericanlibrary.org
- Visit us MON-FRI 1-5pm & by appt. -

2009 - The Year of Valley History - SALUTES OUR FILIPINO COMMUNITY

Filipino American Bookstore
One of the largest concentrations of Filipino-Americans is in the Panorama City area of the San Fernando Valley. The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is actively collecting artifacts and information about this important population.
Periodically, to serve the interests of our Valley Filipinos, this blog will feature stories and information about this significant group - an essential part of our Valley heritage.
The Filipino American Library was founded on the 13th of October 1985 by Helen Agcaoili Summers Brown, affectionately known as "Auntie". In 2009, the F.A.L. is the largest, as well as being the very first, Filipino focused library in the United States. The facility has over 6,000 titles. A division of the Filipino American Heritage Institute, the library shares many of the same goals as The Museum of the San Fernando Valley; to promote the history, culture and professional achievements of the Filipino community.
Interesting in contacting the Filipino American Library?
CONTACT
phone 213-382-0488 | 213-382-0478 (fax)
email filamlibrary@sbcglobal.net
hours of operation Mon-Fri 1-5 pm & by appointment

The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capital of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

National Environmental Policy Act Comes To The San Fernando Valley

Forty years ago, the Congress of the United States of America passed the National Environmental Policy Act. Signed into law by the President, this statute requires that an environmental impact statement is completed, and needed proposed alternatives be examined before any project that might impact the environment is executed.
This federal requirement changed the way properties have been developed since that time in the San Fernando Valley.



The San Fernando Valley, in the heart of the Creative Capitol of the World, deserves a great Museum of history and culture.

GENE AUTRY - TRUE NOTABLE OF THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY

Home Gene Autry - Historic postcard collection of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - gift of Gary Fredburg 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

When Gene Autry died in his Studio City home on October 2, 1998, he was 91 years old. His phenomenal legacy in American arts and culture still shapes our society today. Gene was "discovered" at the age of 22 by the great humorist Will Rodger. He had been featured on local radio in Tulsa as "Oklahoma's Yodeling Cowboy." Rodgers helped the young singer win his first recording contract.
In 1934, Gene Autry added motion pictures to his resume. By the 1950s, he had made the singing cowboy hero, a major genre of American film. Over a 100 million copies of his recordings were sold during his lifetime, and his Christmas recordings are still seasonal standard to this day.
Gene Autry could have easily used his popularity and fame to avoid combat service during World War II, but instead joined the U.S. Army Air Corps (now the Air Force) as a pilot. Gene and other courageous men transported weapons, fuel and ammunition over the Himalayan Mountains from India, across Burma and into China. When the fighting ended, Gene accepted a post war assignment to accompany a USO troupe in the South Pacific.
Using his "Melody Ranch" radio broadcasting experience, Gene Autry became one of the first great stars of the newly popular media called television. He not only produced his own show, but became the executive producer of other hit TV shows as well. Gene's instincts to do things the right way took him into the ownership of radio and television stations. By the early '60s he was into professional baseball, land investments and many other ventures.
In the 1980s, Gene Autry's vision of preserving America's western history began to take shape. By the end of the decade the Gene Autry Western Heritage Museum became a reality in Los Angeles' Griffith Park. Today an expanded Autry National Center protects, preserves and exhibits treasures of the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, the Institute for the study of the American West and the Museum of the American West.
Oklahoma's Yodeling Cowboy became a man whose is a living legacy for generations to come.

WHEN JOHNNY COMES MARCHING HOME AGAIN ...

Old 7th - Spanish-American War photo - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - Gift of Gary Fredburg (click on image to enlarge)

Marching off to war! Photo taken at 8th and Spring Street, downtown Los Angeles. The excitement of what Thedore Roosevelt called a "Bully Little War" brought out big crowds in 1898.

The history of American military veterans is a priority for The Museum of the San Fernando Valley. The history of wars goes much farther than medals and battle stories. Lives are not only at stake on the battlefields, but for decades after veterans return to civilian life.

"There are more than 50.000 Homeless Veterans in California and more than 21,000 of these veterans reside in Los Angeles"
April 2008 - Rand Corporation Study.

Your Museum needs volunteers to research and prepare our mobile exhibit (working title) Veterans Built The Modern San Fernando Valley. Call (818) 347-9665 2009 - The Year of Valley History

ENACTMENT OF ARTICLES OFCAPITULATION” AT CAMPO DE CAHUENGA

ENACTMENT OF THE SIGNING OF THE ARTICLES OF
CAPITULATION” AT CAMPO DE CAHUENGA


SUNDAY, JANUARY 11, 2009 AT 1:00 P.M.

Guy Weddington McCreary, Chairman of the Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association announces the Re-Enactment of the Signing of the Articles of Capitulation/

Sunday, January 11, 2009 beginning at 1:00 p.m. A host of events will mark the celebration at the site of the Original Campo de Cahuenga, 3919 Lankershim Blvd., Universal City, CA.

An afternoon of fiesta dancers, the firing of the Howitzer cannon, a tour of the archeological dig, the placing of the Memorial Wreath, presentation of the twelve flags over California, refreshments and fun at Original Campo de Cahuenga as we support the efforts of the Campo de Cahuenga Memorial Historical Association to preserve the history and create a home for the artifacts unearthed during the excavation of the Original Campo de Cahuenga.
Presented by Campo de Cahuenga Historical Memorial Association and the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
Campo de Cahuenga, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is the site of the Signing of the Articles of Capitulation, ending the Mexican-American War in California. The Campo de Cahuenga, is located at 3919 Lankershim Blvd., across from Universal City Studio’s and next door to the Universal City-Campo de Cahuenga MTA Subway Station, with free parking at the MTA Station site.

Attendees are encouraged to review the archaeological finds of the old adobe of 1800.
WHAT: “Re-Enactment of the Signing of the Articles of Capitulation”
WHEN: Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 1:00 P.M.
WHERE: Campo de Cahuenga Historical Site
3919 Lankershim Blvd., Universal City/Studio City, CA. The site is across the street from Universal City Studio’s and next door to the Universal City-Campo de Cahuenga MTA Subway Station
CONTACT: For more information regarding the event,
call Diane McCreary, at 818.762.399

ROBERT TAYLOR FILES BEGIN MUSEUM'S SAN FERNANDO VALLEY NOTABLES PROJECT

Robert Taylor and Greta Garbo in 1937 film Camille - Gift to The Museum of the San Fernando Valley by Gerald Fecht - 2008 (click on image to enlarge)

Directed by George Cukor, the 1937 block buster film Camille helped to launch the career of a young Robert Taylor. He played the role of a handsome Frenchman, Armand along side of one of most famous women in movie history, Greta Garbo.
Robert Taylor had a ranch home in Northridge. The actress Barbara Stanwick sold her nearby ranch property to the film star Jack Oakie, when she married Robert Taylor and moved into his home.

One of the most exciting projects scheduled by The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, beginning in 2009, is our list of Valley Notables. We will be identifying the places where famous San Fernando Valley residents have lived, but collecting their biographies, photos and memorabilia about their lives and careers.
If you would like to nominate someone like Robert Taylor to the Valley Notables list, drop us an email at
jerry@anchoreducation.com
Tell us your nominee, and leave your address and telephone number at which you can be reached.

2009 - The Year of Valley History