The San Gabriel Historical Association has evolved since its inception back in the late 1970’s. Following the celebration of the national centennial in 1976, it was decided that San Gabriel needed a “city museum”. So, the centennial committee became the historical committee and they were off and running. It was known that there were many artifacts and historical memorabilia scattered throughout the city in people’s garages, attics and closets. Next we needed a location for museum. Thru the “good offices” of the San Gabriel School District and Mike Frost, principal of Coolidge School, the museum was allowed the use of a room not currently being used for classes. When it became obvious that we needed more space the city came to the rescue and allowed that museum could take over the McGroarty apartments on the second floor of the Civic Auditorium. After a number of years in the auditorium the City moved us to our present location in the former building of the San Gabriel Radio Club.  In the early 1990’s the San Gabriel Historical Association received the Bovard-Wilson-Hayes house from the estate of Mary Ruth Hayes. The city allowed us to move the Hayes House to its present location on city land next to the museum.

As part of our agreement with the city it is agreed that the Association will follow the guidelines from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior for the preservation of historical homes. This we continue to do to the best of our ability. We have the on going assistance of Mr. Martin Weil who is a preservation architect. Following our move into the “radio club” we needed more space so the back half of the building was added on to give us more display space. At this time we are looking for ways to expand for a larger work area and storage.

The hand-me-down display cases from Liebergs Dept. Store have stood us in good form all of this time. However, we need to think in terms of securing display cases more appropriate to museum work.

The accessioning of the artifacts of the Hayes House continues thru the fine work of Helen Sanchez and her daughters, Julie and Elizabeth. Helen and her girls write it up and Camila Lopez and Karen Cranston enter it into the computer. Those of you that are interested in this work and would like to help please give me a call (626) 282-0749 or Camila Lopez (626) 287-8482.      

As part of our agreement with the city it is agreed that the Association will follow the guidelines from the U.S. Secretary of the Interior for the preservation of historical homes. This we continue to do to the best of our ability. We have the on going assistance of Mr. Martin Weil who is a preservation architect. Following our move into the “radio club” we needed more space so the back half of the building was added on to give us more display space. At this time we are looking for ways to expand for a larger work area and storage.

The hand-me-down display cases from Liebergs Dept. Store have stood us in good form all of this time. However, we need to think in terms of securing display cases more appropriate to museum work.

The accessioning of the artifacts of the Hayes House continues thru the fine work of Helen Sanchez and her daughters, Julie and Elizabeth. Those of you that are interested in this work and would like to help please give us a call (626) 308-3223.