Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Pasadena History

If you're a Pasadena history afficionado, two new exhibits at the Pasadena Museum of History are for you.

Try your wits against Ann Erdman, who curated the Mystery History exhibit. She poses the question, "Where are we? And what's happening?" pairing photos and items from the Museum's collection.

You know this one, surely? I hadn't known this had been saved I was thrilled to see it in person.

In the opposite gallery is Pasadena Pursuit, curated by Dan McLaughlin. Dan tests your knowledge of Pasadena trivia. Photos, historic items and ephemera are on display to enhance your experience (and maybe help you come up with the answer).

I was fortunate to go to the opening night reception. And what a photo op this was! I'm missing Dan, who was off being adored by his fans. But I've got three top Pasadena historians right here: Ann Erdman, Sidney Gally and Michele Zack. The history of the Dena is recorded in their many fine works. We're fortunate to have such dedicated author/researchers in our midst.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

A great way to learn about local history, I'm sure it will be a great success!

William Kendall said...

I would have enjoyed that!

Petrea Burchard said...

It is a very fun exhibit.

Bellis said...

Both exhibits are fascinating, and I learned a lot of new things about Pasadena. I love the way both are presented as quizzes where you have to find the right answer. It's a novel and interesting way to learn about history. Dan's questions had me leafing for the answers through the files he'd made, and I Ann's answers were hidden from the questions around a corner or such. The objects displayed in connection with the histories were real treasures! Especially the piano, the sewing machine and the penny farthing. If you haven't been yet, I suggest you go as soon as possible. You'll enjoy every moment.

Petrea Burchard said...

Oh yes, the items! Don't forget Ms. Nishimura's little stuffed bunny. She was born in a Japanese internment camp and it was her toy there. And while I was at the exhibit I was fortunate enough to talk to Wendy Anderson, whose parents are in one of the photos there. Go see the exhibit and guess which photo!

I really like how these exhibits connect us to people. People are history.

Anonymous said...

Is that the Wolf and the Fox?

Petrea Burchard said...

Yes, from the original Busch Gardens. I didn't know there was anything left except the occasional ruins one comes across.
http://digitallibrary.usc.edu/cdm/ref/collection/p15799coll44/id/90545

Jean Spitzer said...

Makes me wish I were there. I love that these exhibits exist.

Petrea Burchard said...

Yeah. I don't know if it's just me, or if everyone feels some nostalgia for the past along with civic pride.

Ann Erdman said...

The Mystery History exhibition has been up since January and will close on March 29. It has been a wonderful experience! This is the first time I ever curated anything.

Petrea Burchard said...

See the exhibit before it closes! You'll be glad you did.