Preserving the Memories of El Monte

FAIN: PG-287810-22

La Historia Historical Society (El Monte, CA 91731-3356)
Rosa Pena (Project Director: January 2022 to present)

A general preservation assessment and the purchase of supplies for a volunteer-run community archive that houses materials documenting the lives of Mexican, Japanese, and Native American communities in El Monte and South El Monte, California.

The La Historia Historical Society Museum (LHHSM) is a small, volunteer-run community archive that houses materials documenting the lives of Mexican, Japanese, and Native American communities in El Monte and South El Monte. Our archive is used as a community space and our collection is used by local residents to connect with loved ones and to learn about the development and culture of the city. With the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities, LHHSM would be able to fund a general preservation assessment, along with the subsequent purchase of preservation materials and supplies. The assessment will help LHHSM to outline pressing preservation priorities and give us a strong foundation for improving our collections care practices. By receiving this assessment and funding for appropriate preservation supplies, LHHSM will be able to reach its ultimate goals of creating dynamic exhibitions and ensuring its collection is accessible for current and future El Monte residents.