On Sunday, April 14, 2013, from 11am to 4pm the L.A. Heritage Alliance will host its Fourth Annual L.A. Heritage Day to share Los Angeles and Southern California’s history through tours, five museums, children’s activities, presentations, giveaways, food, and other activities. The entire event and all activities are free and will take place at the birthplace of Los Angeles and adjacent to world-famous Olvera Street, making for a full day of free history, fun, and entertainment.
“In an area sometimes perceived as having no ‘real’ history, L.A. Heritage Day is an opportunity for people to learn about and enjoy the fascinating people, places, and events that have shaped Southern California,” said Cindy Olnick, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Conservancy. “It’s also a chance to learn about the incredible variety of local preservation groups, museums, libraries, and historical societies serving people today throughout Los Angeles County.”
This year’s LA Heritage Day will feature a children’s activity area with activities from groups like the Chinese American Museum with a lantern-making workshop. Historic cars of LA will be on display from various museums, including the Petersen Automotive Museum. Twenty presentations will be given including talks on the history of the Pico House as told through its original guest book, culinary history of LA, and their favorite “piece” of LA History by special guests.
The diverse groups participating in this year's L.A. Heritage Day represent the native peoples of Los Angeles to cultural groups to geographically focused organizations from across Southern California. “With so many groups attending this event, there will be something for everyone. The legacy of the Mexican, Chinese, Italian, Spanish and African immigrant communities along with our region's indigenous people will be honored for their role in making Los Angeles the diverse metropolis it is today,” said Chris Espinosa, General Manager of El Pueblo Historical Monument.
L.A. Heritage Day takes place inside the historic Pico House and in the Plaza at El Pueblo Historical Monument (http://elpueblo.lacity.org/), adjacent to Olvera Street and across the street from Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. El Pueblo is the birthplace of L.A., the site of the early pueblo where the city was founded in 1781. Special tours of Olvera Street, Avila Adobe, Chinese American Museum, and Plaza Firehouse Museum will be available, as well as the newly opened América Tropical Interpretive Center.
Parking is available in surrounding paid lots and attendees are also encouraged to bike or take public transportation:
Metro provides Bus and Rail transportation to L.A. Heritage Day located at the Plaza at El Pueblo de Los Angeles. Take the Metro Red, Purple, or Gold Lines to Union Station and walk across Alameda Street to El Pueblo Historical Monument. For your best route or more info, visit the Metro Trip Planner or call (323) Go Metro (323.466.3876).
L.A. Heritage Day is Sunday, April 14, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and is presented by the LA Heritage Alliance and El Pueblo Historical Monument, in association with the El Pueblo Park Association (EPPA). Admission is free, including tours and activities. The event is made possible through support from the Office of LA City Councilman Tom LaBonge, the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, and FutureStudio.
For more information, visit the Los Angeles Heritage Alliance website.