Watch the recorded presentation A Look at Los Angeles Through Vintage Postcards

by Pebbla Wallace, LACHS Board Member

In May, Los Angeles celebrates Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. In doing so, the LACHS would like to recognize the historical and cultural contribution both as a cultural group and as individuals to the City of Angels.

by Pebbla Wallace, LACHS Board Member

The events of October 24, 1871, were one of these horrific events that many have forgotten, and which need to be remembered – Los Angeles’ 1871 Chinese Massacre, the largest mass lynching in American History.

It is with sadness that we announce the untimely passing of LACHS President Todd Gaydowski on April 12, 2022, at the age of 54.

Watch the recorded presentation Ice & Oil – The Life and Legacy of Dan Murphy - A talk with Joseph Ryan

by Pebbla Wallace, LACHS Board Member

Today’s women have made great strides in American History. But for years women were restricted from voting, signing legal documents, owning property, participating in contracts and lawsuits, retaining their salaries, or even inheriting independently from their husbands. In fact, until around 1850 most women’s legal rights were under the protection and authority of their husbands.

by Pebbla Wallace, LACHS Board Member

This is a continuation of Pebbla Wallace’s article Women’s History Month - Los Angeles Women Pioneers.

by Pebbla Wallace, LACHS Board Member

Many of you may have heard the name Clara Shortridge Foltz as the name of the Criminal Courthouse building located downtown on Temple and Spring. Or maybe you have heard her name as the first female lawyer in California. But many may not know her importance as a barrier breaker for women and her fight for Women’s Rights in California and the United States.

by Pebbla Wallace, LACHS Board Member

Although Biddy Mason may have died in 1891, many Angeleno’s may only recognize her name as one of the first African American pioneers to own land and real estate in downtown Los Angeles. Or they may only recognize the name as the founder of Los Angeles’ First African Methodist Episcopal Church (First A.M.E.), the oldest African American congregation in Los Angeles. But what many may not be aware of - is that none of this would have been possible if not for an important court case in 1856 in which Biddy set a legal precedent in California courts for future enslaved African Americans in California.

Watch the recorded presentations with two of our 2021 LACHS Scholarship recipients:

A Municipal Tail: The Rise of Animal Control in Los Angeles, 1880-1909
Sean McCaskill, CSU Northridge

La migra in 1980s Los Angeles: Exploitation, unemployment, and the legality of the INS raids
Arnoldo Toral, CSU Northridge