Collections
The ever-expanding collection spans the years 1834 to the present and contains over 1,000,000 historic photographs, rare books, manuscripts, maps, architectural records, plein air paintings, and more. Significant collections include: the J. Allen Hawkins Photo Collection, the Pasadena Black History Collection, the Sylvanus Marston Architectural Collection, and the Ernest A. Batchelder Tile Collection and Archives. The Museum’s collections also contain significant artifacts and textiles relevant to the history of the area. Objects from the Museum’s collections are regularly on display in our changing exhibitions in the History Center.
Research Library & Archives
PMH maintains the area’s largest and most comprehensive collection of documents and artifacts related to the history of Pasadena and the west San Gabriel valley. The collection spans the years 1834 to the present and contains well over 1,000,000 historic photographs, rare books, manuscripts, maps, architectural records, and more.
Museum Collections
There are over 12,000 artifacts in the object collections. The Museum's collections contain significant paintings and artifacts relevant to the history of the area. Significant collections include the Costume & Textile Collection, the Ernest A. Batchelder Tile Collection, and a mid-century ceramics collection. A selection of fine art and decorative art from the Fenyes-Curtin-Paloheimo Collection can be viewed on the Fenyes Mansion Tour.
Batchelder TILE Registry
PMH has started compiling a registry of Batchelder tile installations throughout the United States and Canada and is asking for assistance from the public. If you have a Batchelder tile fireplace, fountain, or other type installation in your home or office, we would like to hear from you. Please us send a photograph with dimensions of your tile installation and the date of your house/building.
The GReat History Freeze
The over one-million photographic images in PMH’s Archives are among the Museum’s most valuable resources. In spite of careful preservation efforts, however, many of them are deteriorating at a rate that will destroy them completely within 20 years. Freezing the negatives puts them in a chemically inert state, limits off-gassing, and is cost effective. To date, around 56,000 negatives have been frozen.
Research Library & Archives Hours
The Museum’s Reading Room & Archives are closed until further notice.
Read our full Notice Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Artifact Donations
The Museum’s collections have developed over the years through the generosity of donors. We do not have staff available for “walk-in” donation evaluations. If you have artifacts that you would like to donate to the Object Collection or Costume & Textile Collection, contact the Collections Manager at 626.577.1660, ext. 21 or mturner@pasadenahistory.org. If you have historically significant materials that you would like to donate to the Archives, please contact the Archivist at 626.577.1660, ext. 12 or research@pasadenahistory.org.
Featured Collections
Recent Articles
A Clock and Its Maker
A mysterious clock, Pasadena Tournament of Roses®, and Pasadena’s first undertaker – what do they have in common? It all began with the discovery of an unusual bronze clock in the collection.
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At Home Activities: Inspired by Nature
Since we are unable to host Museums of the Arroyo (MOTA) Day this year, we compiled these nature-inspired activities for some at home fun along with a photo slideshow of historic images of the Arroyo.
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Blooming Messages: The Victorian Language of Flowers
Eva Scott Fenyes left the museum a stunning collection of artwork that includes a number of charming botanical studies of plants and flowers.
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