The Studio For Southern California History

I have been visiting in the Studio since it opened in 2006, but I only just now thought to check if it had a Unilocal!page. I’m glad it does!
This is a fantastic place for people of all ages and walks of life. It is a place where you cannot help but immerse yourself in the histories and cultures of Los Angeles, in the contemporary rhythms, social movements, and yes, social problems, of the city. The Studio offers a remarkable film and book library, as well as exhibits, film screenings, musical performances, poetry readings, lectures, walking tours, and more, all related to Southern California (though there are transnational implications in much of what you’ll find there).
The Studio was founded by a woman with a Ph.D. in history from USC and she, and through her teaching and community work, she forms partnerships and collaborations with students, universities, activists, artists, organizations, and galleries from across the southland. The work – always blurring the lines between scholastic and artistic – is top tier, with «a little something for everyone.» They were even just mentioned in LA Magazine’s «Best of LA» issue (2011).
The founder of this place has carved out something unique and wonderful for all.

The Studio for Southern California History is an awesome resource. Very seldom have I felt that the history of the real people of Los Angeles, of communities in general, are truly cared about and with this museum I really feel they do care about everyone’s story. Not only that, but having a love of history makes this place very important to me-​the history shared here is personally relevant since it’s of the people and for the people, and they take notice of history in action with all the present situations and following the change of the city. I just am glad that there are people who truly care about Los Angeles and the people who inhabit it. I’m glad that there are people who still care about history.
Oh, and besides that, it’s great to go to a place where EVERYONE is welcomed. You don’t have to be of any affiliation, persuasion, or style to be accepted and invited in to the Studio.
There are some real, present, conscious, caring people involved in the effort to keep history alive here and I’m happy to have met them and to have gotten involved in visiting the Studio.

I first became acquainted with the Studio when they were doing a cemetery walking tour of Hollywood Forever a couple years back on El Dia de los Muertos! Did I mention I love LA history and I’m a bit odd? The tour was fantastic because it involved perusing the graves of the many ‘celebrities’ and important figures of the city buried there and their history. AND we also got to see the shrines being set up for the evenings festivities — very cool.
I recently went to their Chinatown location for a panel on local favorite Leo Politi. We’d gotten a large collection of his books at my work, and when I saw the Studio would be discussing his life, books, and their lasting impact on the community, I had to go! I was hoping the panel would address issues of representation too, but it was evident that Politi did a great service to the city and people of LA.
Can’t wait to see what the Studio has planned next!

Sharon, George, and Chris were great, they made me feel right at home. One step into this place, you can feel/​see the tremendous amount of commitment these people have poured in to exposing Los Angeles’ history through the voices of the community members. This is truly an inspiring place!

Sharon, Nancy and Christian are awesome. The museum is full of interactive displays. You can even write on the walls. Check it out and soak in a critical, colorful view of L.A. history.