The Victorian Era was a long period of peace, prosperity, refined sensibilities and national self-confidence. Strolling through the Heritage Square Museum this past weekend aroused those feelings as I was transported to this elegant time period. The museum is set in a tranquil neighborhood and the homes are beautiful; each has its own character and story.

The Heritage Square Museum is a living history museum that explores the settlement and development of Southern California from the Civil War to the early 20th Century, offering you a look into the everyday lives of Southern Californians at the close of the 19th Century.

Guided Tours

I definitely recommend taking a guided tour, I learned a lot and got a good lay of the land. Tours explore the outside and inside to the museum homes and provide insight into the life and people of the time. Visit on the weekend and the guides dress in period attire. Guided tours depart hourly between 12 and 3 pm from the Palms Depot.

The Heritage Square Museum offers a unique learning experience and family friendly events throughout the year.

Upcoming Events

Sunday, June 3
6th Annual Lummis Day – Join the Arroyo Community as they celebrate the life and legacy of Charles Lummis and the historic Arroyo Seco. Begins at 12:30 pm.

Saturday, June 9
Vintage Automobile and Classic Car Show – Bring your Dad or favorite care enthusiast to enjoy an up-close look at rare and beautiful crafted automobiles over a 40 year time span, from the Model T to the 1950’s hotrods. Free for Museum members and $10 for the general public. Begins  at 11 am to 4 pm.

Saturdays, July 21 and 28, and August 4
Silent and Classic Movie Nights – Picnic on the lawn while viewing classic and silent movies. Free for Museum members and $10 for the general public. Featured films TBD. Begins at 7:30 pm.

Saturday, August 18
3rd Annual Square Dancing with Triple Chicken Foot – Join Triple Chicken Foot for an Old Time American Square Dance, as well as a great summer fruit pie baking contest. Beginners are encouraged, this is a family friendly dance. Join for a beautiful afternoon of community and music and greet your neighbor. Free for members and $5 for the general public. Begins at 5 pm.

Saturday, October 6
Heritage Square Ghost Tour – Explore the dark side of the Museum and meet the past inhabitants of the historic structures. Reservations required, tickets go on sale in September. Admission price TBD. Begins at 7 pm.

Saturday, October 20
Halloween and Mourning Movie Night – You are invited to bring a picnic, blanket, chairs, and snacks to enjoy classic scary movies at the Museum…if you dare. Free for Museum members and $10 for the general public. Movie TBD. Begins at 7:30 pm.

Saturday and Sunday, October 27 and 28
9th Annual Halloween and Mourning Tours – Learn all about death and mourning etiquette during the Victorian era, the movement of Spiritualism, and how other cultures celebrate and remember their loved ones. The program is more family friendly on Sunday, as children ages 2 to 12 may come play period games, make 19th century harvest crafts, choose a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, and listen to spooky stories. $10 for Adults, $8 for Seniors over 65, $5 for Children 6 to 12 years and free for Children under 6 years and Museum members. Begins at 12 pm to 4 pm.

Wednesday, October 31
Safe Haven Trick-or-Treating – Children 1 to 12 years of age, with parent accompaniment, may come in costume and receive sweet treats from the costumed interpreters stationed at each building. Admission price is $5 for Adults and $2 for Children 6 to 12. Children under 6 are free of charge. Begins at 4 pm to 7 pm.

Saturday and Sunday, December 1 and 2
18th Annual Holiday Lamplight Celebration – Witness as the past becomes the present among the beautiful glow of Victorian homes at the Museum’s annual event. Special event ticket prices. Sales begin in October from members and November for the general public, reservations required. $20 for Adults, $10 for Children over 6 years. Members get 20% off tickets-limited to their member level. Begins at 4 pm.

WHAT: Heritage Square Museum
WHEN: 12:00 – 5:00 p.m Friday, Saturday, Sunday and most holiday Mondays
WHERE: 3800 Homer Street | Los Angeles, California 90031

CONTACT INFO: (323) 225-2700

DETAILS:

• Admission is $10 for Adults (13+), $8 for Seniors (65+), and $5 for Children (6-12)
• Museum members and children under 6 are free

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