Monrovia Historical Museum

Monroe family members visit the Museum
Members of the William Monroe family, after whom this city is named, visited the Museum recently. They shared some rarely seen family photos of William Monroe and their time in Alaska.

"We had the most wonderful tour on Sunday and would like to thank you for taking the time for me, my cousin Cynthia and my mother Joan. I am curating family photos and hope to have some worthy of your museum. In due time! Thanks, Mark Dyer / son of Bruce Thomas Dyer / son of Hector Dyer / son of Mabelle Monroe"

Mabelle was a daughter of William and Mary Jane Monroe, and was an accomplished composer. Her son Hector Dyer won a gold medal in the 1932 Olympic Games (see Hec's page in our Olympic Athletes virtual exhibit).

=====
Review our "General Information" page for Covid-19 protocol information and holiday closures. Keep up with our latest news on our Facebook page.

Overview

Front view of Monrovia Historical Museum, Monrovia, California

Connect with us on Facebook!

The Monrovia Historical Museum occupies the building that once housed the city's Municipal Swimming Pool, known as the "Plunge." 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 and the Pacific Electric Red Car. Exhibits in this wing depict life in Monrovia in the early 1900s, including faithful reconstructions of a turn-of-the-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 showcasing unusual creatures and oddities seldom seen in public displays. This wing also includes our special collections of vintage telephones and cameras, 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 Kizh-Gabrieleño People.