About Us :

The Glendale Historical Society (TGHS) took shape in 1979 when a group of preservation-minded Glendalians banded together to revive the then-dormant organization as a vehicle for saving The Doctors' House from the wrecking ball. TGHS led the grass roots effort to relocate this Victorian-era Queen Anne-Eastlake style house to Brand Park and to authentically restore and furnish it to its late 19th century appearance. The saving of the house, followed quickly by its relocation to the safety of Brand Park, and the subsequent restoration, sparked a momentum that has been the basis of some of TGHS' most notable achievements. With the city's Parks and Recreation Department as owner of the house, TGHS set out to institute a program of docent-led tours of the restored Doctors' House Museum for adults and children. These tours are still popular today and other events, including live theatre at the House, have been added.

The organization quickly grew and has sponsored many programs and projects in celebration of Glendale's history and architectural heritage. Highlights include: Historic neighborhood tours, such as Trip to Tropico and The Brand Park Tours. Publications include a mpa of Glendale's historic sites.

TGHS actively advocating for preservation of landmarks and historic neighborhoods. Efforts have included saving The Alex Theatre, the E.D. Goode House, the Grand Central Air Terminal, the Masonic Temple building, Glendale Federal Building, and many others.

TGHS assumes a high profile in advocating for the completion of an ordinance to enable the formation of Historic Districts so we can preserve our treasure-trove of period residential architecture in addition to commercial structures. The Historic District Overlay Zone Ordinance adopted in 2003 has been improved, a city-wide Historic District Guideline and handbook has been developed and these have recently been approved by the Historic Preservation Commmission. On April 19, 2006, the Planning Commission will vote on these documents. Subsequently, City Council will adopt them.

The Glendale Historical Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization whose membership is open to all. Donations are welcome, and are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.