Nestled on the corner of Philadelphia and Newlin in Uptown Whittier, is a hidden gem containing over one hundred years of Whittier history within an atomic bomb reinforced building. From art, to artifacts, archives and photographs, the Whittier Museum is what some like to refer to as “The Best Kept Secret in Town.” A secret which even though rich with history, is in continuous need of support to maintain its doors open for free to the public.
The Whittier Museum is owned and run by the Whittier Historical Society. Featuring local history dating back to the 1850s. Most importantly, the museum offers free admission. “It is our founders, 42 years ago, who put together the Whittier Historical Society; they are the ones who raised the money to pay cash for this building. And it is only because of their leadership that we can be open for free,” said David Williamson, Whittier Historical Society Board President.
Board members are volunteers, dedicating time towards the preservation of Whittier’s history. “The museum has always strived to collect, preserve and display all things relevant to the city of Whittier, surrounding area, and California history. Our goal has always been to revisit that history and see what has been overlooked or not paid much attention to and try and piece together that history. A lot of it from the local communities, indigenous history and areas that have been ignored,” said Nicholas Edmeier, Curator for the Whittier Museum.
In order to continue to offer free admission, the museum is in need of financial support. “We are a free admission museum, but do ask if people can leave a donation. We are non-profit based. Our main source of income has been membership dues, donations, grants, sponsorships. This affects what exhibits or events we host,” said Edmeier. “The other thing that’s important for people to know is that those who become members, and people who come to our fundraisers like our upcoming tea, it’s those funds that help us keep the doors open. It costs us about $12,000 to stay open for free to the public,” said Williamson. An upcoming Wizard of Oz themed tea fundraiser will be held on April 12.
Whittier Museum has much to offer to students. Edmeier started as a Whittier College intern; an opportunity that led to him becoming a board member and now the curator, who has been involved with the museum for a little over ten years. “We always have volunteer opportunities and internships. Helping out with archives or research, events or with the museum as a whole. We never turn down volunteers. Volunteers can do so for school credit or community service hours. Can come and use the archives for in-person experience or research projects. We try and include and give back to our community. We are community based and want to do much for our neighbors,” said Edmeier.
The board is currently looking for volunteers wanting to add Social Media Manager to their resume. Individuals interested in managing weekly Facebook and Instagram posts featuring artifacts with the museum and their history, or go out and cover history within the Whittier community.
Currently exhibiting: Dennis McGonagle’s “His Life in Paint” and “The Art and Life of Madi Comfort” McGonagle lives in Whittier and studied Art at Rio Hondo College. He has painted murals at various local schools, including the large mural on the exterior of the Whittier Museum. Comfort’s family was the first black family to move to Whittier, where she lived until her death in 2003. A popular jazz singer and model who appeared on the cover of LIFE magazine in 1955, and was also notably connected to the Black Dahlia murder.
Free entrance to the museum is available Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.