Members Events
Membership has its privileges! One benefit that is particularly appreciated is the opportunity to attend our exclusive Out & About Series. This popular series combines programs with visits to unique venues including historic or architecturally significant homes, gardens, and exceptional one-of-a kind properties. Enjoy one or more evenings of intriguing content, culture, food, and companionship with fellow PMH Members.
Out & About Series
Interesting People, Interesting Places
Our popular lectures for PMH Members, the At Home series, has been rebranded Out & About. PMH Members enjoy exclusive evenings featuring interesting people and interesting places.
The 2020 series will be announced later this year. Below are samples of past programs.
California’s “Bell Lady” Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes
You may not recognize her name. However, travelers throughout the Golden State will see Mrs. A.S.C. Forbes’ most visible and famous creation: the commemorative bells that line the historic El Camino Real (The Royal Road). The original road dates back to the 1770s in what was then part of Alta California under Spanish Rule. By 1900, due to changing times and development, the road was almost lost to public view and memory. Mrs. Forbes was instrumental in the project to “rediscover” and celebrate El Camino Real. One commemorative bell monument that was particularly dear to her was at Campo de Cahuenga, the site where the 1847 Treaty of Cahuenga was signed, ending the hostilities in the Mexican-American War. Historian Phyllis Hansen presented the amazing story of how Mrs. A.S.C Forbes successfully helped make these projects commemorating California history a reality. This program was presented in partnership with The Shakespeare Club of Pasadena (founded in 1888).
In Bed with Broadcasting
Altadena native Ken Davis first fell in love with broadcasting when he watched the DJs at Pasadena’s legendary KRLA Radio. Little did he know he would later find himself face-to-face with a notorious serial killer in the middle of the night; be nearly shot by a world famous music producer; and hang out with everyone from Barack Obama to Water Cronkite to Julia Louis-Dreyfus. These are just a few of the many exciting and often humorous adventures in Davis’ memoir In Bed with Broadcasting about his Emmy-award-winning career in television. Davis shared insider stories and autographed his book, which were available for purchase. This event took place at the 1890 home originally built for David J. MacPherson, the civil engineer who designed the Mount Lowe Scenic Railway.
What’s a Motion Machine? History of Baranger Studios
From the late 1930s to the late 1950s, one might have seen a Baranger Motion display in the window of a fancy jewelry store or optical shop. Intended to catch your eye, these fanciful displays featured mechanical flying saucers, fire engines, or whimsical ships all designed to help sell featured jewelry. Collector extraordinaire, Justin Pinchot, presented the history of the Baranger Studios from a unique perspective. “I witnessed the last decade of the Baranger business as a child who grew up two blocks away. As a teenager, I was intimately involved in the process of its closing. As an adult collector and historian, I continue to educate and promote the Baranger legacy.” Pinchot also brought several motion machines to share. Charles Stanislawski, PMH Trustee and CEO of Stanislawski & Company, opened up the historic Baranger Studios for this event.
6Innovation Inspired by Tradition: The Glass Making of Judson Studios
Company president, David Judson, a fifth generation family member, shared the fascinating history of Judson Studios. For over a century, Judson Studios has designed and fabricated traditional and contemporary stained, leaded, faceted, and fused glass for architectural spaces in Los Angeles and around the world. Their creations adorn churches, commercial buildings, and private residences. The company was founded by artist and educator William Lees Judson and three of his sons in 1895. Judson Studios has changed with the times using new technology and artistic ideas to stay current and successful. Attendees learned about the history of the company, how it was an important part of the Arroyo Arts & Crafts Movement, and what it is doing today.
Not a Member? For information regarding membership, visit the membership page of our website or call 626.577.1660, ext. 11.
To view photos from past Members' receptions, please visit the Museum's Facebook page.