Our History

For over fifty years, the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation has worked to promote greater knowledge and appreciation of the historical and cultural heritage of the community, and advocate for the preservation of resources that contribute to that heritage.

The preservation movement in South Pasadena began in earnest in 1970 when South Pasadena Beautiful, founded in 1965, created the South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Committee to promote historic preservation in the community. The committee, chaired by local architect Jean Driskel, was successful in drafting the city ordinance that created the South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC), with powers and duties to advise the City Council on designating significant cultural and historical sites and landmarks.

The CHC, in turn, spurred the creation of the non-profit “Jean Driskel Cultural Heritage Foundation,” formed on May 22, 1972 (renamed the “South Pasadena Preservation Foundation” (SPPF) in 1983). The non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization, complements the work of the CHC, which is a City Council appointed commission.  SPPF seeks to further local heritage awareness and appreciation and safeguard local cultural resources through education and advocacy.

SPPF also created and manages the South Pasadena Historical Museum, located at 913 Meridian Avenue, which was established in May 1987. The museum is open to welcome visitors during the South Pasadena Farmer’s Market and city festivals.

Together with our members and like-minded individuals and partner organizations, we have accomplished the following:

• Effectively defeating the 710 freeway threat once and for all.
• Advocating for the right of South Pasadena families to purchase surplus Caltrans homes while adding to the City’s affordable housing funds.
• Promoting the preservation of South Pasadena’s historic character and contributing to the quality of life for all residents.
• Maintaining the South Pasadena Historical Museum at 913 Meridian Avenue as a resource for the whole community with expanding collections, displays and educational outreach.
• Offering an array of programs and events for preservation-minded people and the broader community to attend.
• Publishing a regular newsletter to inform SPPF members and the community of important preservation matters.

The mission of the South Pasadena Preservation Foundation is to foster a deeper sense of community, a clearer understanding of our past, and a broader vision for our future through the preservation of our local stories and places.

We are an all-volunteer organization and we rely on memberships and donations to fund our work. Thank you for your generosity to join and give. We truly appreciate your support!