2015 past exhibitions

When Johnny Came Marching West: How the Civil War Shaped Pasadena

John McDonald, drummer boy in the Civil War, at age 16 (Main Photo Collection)

 

April 22 through September 20, 2015

Presented in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil war, this exhibit explored the important role California played in the conflict, and how the war’s aftermath influenced the development of our local communities. Rare artifacts and photographs drawn from the collections of PMH were featured along with items from private and institutional lenders including the Maine State Museum, The Autry National Center of the American West, Drum Barracks Civil War Museum, The Lincoln Memorial Shrine, Dr. Bert J. Davidson and the Southern California Medical Museum, John Beckendorf, Linn and Jean Hoadley, Dr. Carole Morton, Kathy Ralston, Michael Sorenson, and Janet Whaley.

Thaddeus Lowe: Chief Aeronaut of the Union Army

Thaddeus Lowe as a young man

 

April 22 through September 20, 2015
Curated by Michael Patris of the Mount Lowe Preservation Society Collection, Thaddeus Lowe: Chief Aeronaut of the Union Army focused on the life of entrepreneur Thaddeus S. C. Lowe (1832-1913) during and after the Civil War. Lowe is well known in Southern California for his gas manufacturing plants and electric incline railway, but he also had an amazing career as a civilian aeronaut fighting for the Union Army.
 

Mystery History

Mystery History logo

January 30 through March 29, 2015
Mystery History, curated by Ann Erdman, was an engaging exhibition that included historic photographs, artworks and artifacts from PMH’s extensive collection. Inspired by the popular Mystery HistoryTM series on her blog, Erdman challenged visitors to identify the location and historical significance of photos, which were complemented by rarely seen historic objects directly associated with them.

Mystery History was made possible in part by the Pasadena Arts & Culture Commission and the City of Pasadena Cultural Affairs Division.

Pasadena Pursuit

Pasadena Pursuit logo

January 30 through March 29, 2015

This interactive exhibit, was curated by Dan McLaughlin, author of Pasadena History Headline Quiz (2014). Designed as a three-dimensional game board, visitors tested their knowledge of local history in categories such as: Sports, Entertainment, People & Community, Crime & Punishment, and Children.

The Pasadena Star-News was Media Sponsor for the exhibition Pasadena Pursuit.

Images: John McDonald, drummer boy in the Civil War, at age 16 (Main Photo Collection); Thaddeus Lowe as a young man (Courtesy of Michael Patris and the Mount Lowe Preservation Society Collection); Mystery History exhibition logo; Pasadena Pursuit exhibition logo.