BLOG
Working on an exhibition requires an immense amount of knowledge and a thorough understanding of the subject matter. . .and the ability to boil all of that down into labels that visitors can read in thirty seconds or less. This leaves much unsaid - and unread. Luckily, there are blogs to provide readers with information that, while fascinating, simply could not fit on a label. This blog also features articles related to our Education programs, the Museum Store, the Museum's vast collections, and more.
Science Fiction after Frankenstein
So, where was the science fiction of the nineteenth century, if Frankenstein was so influential? It existed, but it followed “Sturgeon’s Law” in that most …
Early Fandom in Science Fiction
What is a “fan” of something or someone? The standard dictionary definition is that the term is short for “fanatic,” someone obsessed with that someone …
Caltech Writers: Part I
One of the greatest overlaps between science and science fiction over the past century has been Caltech. Several great SF writers have spent part or …
It’s Alive!!
Two centuries ago, this year, a single book created a whole new genre, that of what we now call science fiction. The book was Frankenstein, …
Owen Brown in Pasadena
January 10, 1889 was a significant date in early Pasadena history – the funeral of Owen Brown, son of abolitionist John Brown. Owen was the …
A Well-rounded Bowl: The Stadium in the Arroyo
Pasadena is best known for its roses and architecture, both of which are embodied by one structure – the Rose Bowl. Designed by famed Pasadena …
The Art of Greetings: Studio Art Greeting Cards
Sending greeting cards during the holiday season has been a western tradition since the mid-nineteenth century. First popular in England, mass-produced greeting cards began being …
Edwardian Christmas Décor: Part II
Floral Displays Like the Victorians before them, Edwardians were lavish in their use of plants and plant materials for décor. In these great houses, …
Edwardian Christmas Décor: Part I
Deck the Halls! ‘Tis the season to be decorating – and gifting friends and family with tokens of our love and appreciation, often in the …
Rescued From a Rental Car: Memories from the Bell Family
In 2009, PMH received a small package of materials the sender had found in a rental car and enclosed a note saying, “You might like …
