Learn about our new oral history project
Six-Month Reflection on the Eaton Fire
A Message from the Altadena Historical Society President
Dear Friends and Members of the Altadena Historical Society,
As we mark six months since the devastating Eaton Fire, I want to take a moment to reflect on the resilience and strength of our community and take a moment to remember those who perished in the fire. Although the Altadena Historical Society has not yet returned to full operational capacity, we are making significant strides and anticipate being fully functional again by the end of summer.
One of our primary initiatives during this recovery period is the oral history project, which is progressing at a rapid pace. It is anticipated that the project will take two years to be fully completed. This project has provided us with an invaluable opportunity to document the experiences of Altadena residents affected by the fire and ensure that their stories are preserved for future generations.
Despite the challenges we have faced, the Altadena Historical Society remains committed to our mission of preserving and promoting our town’s rich cultural heritage. As we continue to recover and grow stronger, we are eager to introduce new programs and initiatives that further enhance our ability to preserve Altadena’s history and serve our community.
I am grateful for the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and the unwavering support from our community. Together, we are rebuilding and emerging from this tragedy with renewed energy and determination.
As we move forward, we will continue to embrace the unique spirit and resilience that define Altadena, ensuring that our town’s history remains vibrant and accessible for generations to come.
Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to sharing our progress as we work towards a brighter future.
Veronica Jones, President
Altadena Historical Society
How your donations will help
Funds generously donated to the Altadena Historical Society will be crucial in restoring our organization and assisting community members and volunteers affected by the devastating Eaton Fire. The donations will enable us to decontaminate our archives and seek additional grants to continue our vital work of preserving the history of Altadena.
With a renewed focus on archiving, we aim to reach out to those with remaining items or buildings of historical value, ensuring their stories are not lost. We will also seek photographs that capture the beauty of our community and preserve these memories by archiving and digitizing them for future generations. Now more than ever, your support is essential in helping us protect and promote Altadena’s rich history as we rebuild and recover from this tragedy. Thank you for your support.
Serving Altadena since 1935
The Altadena Historical Society (AHS) was founded in 1935. As a 501(c)3 organization, we gather, preserve, and share print and digital information about the people, places, and events that have shaped the Altadena community.

Events
Visit our Programs page for upcoming events. Subscribe to our email list to stay in the loop.

Research requests
Wondering about the history of your house? Or a notable person from Altadena’s past? Just ask us.

In the Archives
We have thousands of printed items related to the history of Altadena. Visit this page for details.

A slice of history
See “Fourteen Decades of Altadena History 1883-2017” at the Altadena Community Center.

Travel to the past
The Disneyland of its day, the Mount Lowe Railway drew visitors from around the world.

Honoring a hero
We celebrated the life of activist Ellen Garrison Clark—and purchased a headstone for her grave.