Monrovia Historical Museum

BACK TO SCHOOL DAYS

Monrovia's public schools are back in session, so it's a good time to look back at the schools of Monrovia's past.

William Monroe understood the importance of education; he was college educated and had taught school for two years in rural Iowa before enlisting in the Union Army after the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. He knew that any new community would be more attractive to potential residents if it offered the benefit of public education; he even built the first school on his own property!

Our latest exhibit update focuses on Monrovia High School's history and evolution. We welcome you to share your stories and artifacts related to MAD / MHS.

The Museum remains closed, but we plan to re-open soon. In the meantime, our volunteers continue to update and refresh our exhibits. Keep up with our progress on our Facebook page.

Overview

Front view of Monrovia Historical Museum, Monrovia, California

The Monrovia Historical Museum occupies the building that once housed the city's Municipal Swimming Pool. The former dressing rooms now comprise our two exhibit wings, covering more than 8000 square feet.

The Historic Monrovia Wing introduces the Monroe Family and the town they helped establish, including the famous Pottenger Sanatorium that researched cures for breathing disorders, and a Pacific Electric Red Car exhibit. Also included in this wing are faithful reconstructions of a turn-of-the-20th-century kitchen and parlor, a 1907 classroom tribute to Monrovia's early grade schools, and an interactive police department exhibit.

The Historic Collections Wing includes a Natural History section that showcases interesting and unusual creatures and oddities seldom seen in public displays. There is also a great collection of the telephones and cameras of the past century, an exhibit dedicated to Monrovia's service men and women, and much more.
Docent-led tours are available.

The Monrovia Historical Museum Foundation acknowledges that we are on the traditional land of the Gabrielino-Tongva People.

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