collections
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 ever-expanding 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. Significant collections include: the Pasadena Star-News Photo Collection, the Tournament of Roses Collection, the Pasadena Black History Collection, the J. Allen Hawkins Photo Collection, the Flag Photo Collection, the Sylvanus Marston Architectural Collection, the Giddings-Hollingsworth Family Collection, the Helen Lukens Gaut Photo Collection, and the Ernest A. Batchelder Archives.
Notice Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The Museum’s Reading Room & Archives are closed until further notice
Note to Researchers:
While the Reading Room & Archives are closed, we encourage you to search the photograph collections of PMH and other institutions on the Pasadena Digital History Collaboration website.
Read our full Notice Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
Collections
Research Library & Archives Hours
Complimentary access Thursday through Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 pm.*
No appointment necessary to use the Research Library and Archives.
There are charges for photocopying, scanning and mailing the results of our research (see Reproduction Services).
The Research Library & Archives can be contacted at 626.577.1660, ext. 13 or research@pasadenahistory.org.
Please note that the entire Museum is closed on all major holidays. Check our calendar for specific dates.
