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History
Founded in 1924 as the Pasadena Historical Society, the Pasadena Museum
of History operates the only Museum and Research Library devoted solely
to preserving and educating the public about the history of Pasadena
and the west San Gabriel Valley. 
Family Legacy
Since 1970, the Museum has been headquartered on the 2.1-acre grounds
of the Fenyes Estate, a Pasadena Cultural landmark that is listed
on both the National and California Registers of Historic Places.
That year, Mrs. Fenyes' daughter, Leonora Muse Curtin, granddaughter
Leonora Curtin Paloheimo, her husband Y.A. Paloheimo, and their four
children donated the Mansion and Gardens, complete with original furnishings,
artwork, and numerous personal items, to the Museum.
The 1906 Beaux Arts Mansion by noted architect Robert D. Farquhar,
with its two-story addition in 1911 by Sylvanus Marston, provided
Eva and Dr. Adalbert Fenyes a magnificent home that served as a gathering
place for prominent artists, writers, musicians and scientists. The
Mansion took on additional stature as the Finnish Consulate during
Y.A. ("George") Paloheimo's 17-year tenure in that post (1947-1964).
Today, visitors to the Pasadena Museum of History enjoy a rare opportunity
to tour this landmark residence that exemplifies the cultured lifestyle
of the city's prominent residents at the turn of the twentieth century.
Historic Structures
 The
Museum's historic structures also include the Curtin House, a gracious
French-style residence designed in 1915 by Sylvanus Marston, and the
Finnish Folk Art Museum, a building designed by Frederick Roehrig
and adapted by Consul Paloheimo for use as a sauna/guest house.
In 1993 construction was completed on Phase I of the Museum's History
Center building, which houses the Research Library and environmentally
controlled archival storage areas for the Museum's extensive collections.
Phase II of the project, completed in 2000, includes the History Center
Galleries, Giddings Conference Room, Museum Store and Administrative
Offices.
The Pasadena Museum of History is a private, nonprofit, community-based
institution supported by generous gifts from foundations, corporations,
businesses, individuals, and our members.
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