the Tours We Offer
The Monrovia Historical Museum offers group tours, upon request. Perfect for school field trips (especially home-schoolers!), retirement living, history buffs, or any other small groups. Private tours run from 60-90 minutes, and can be scheduled by calling our office or using the request template at the end of this page. For staffing purposes, tours for groups larger than 8-10 people will be scheduled on days that are NOT regular open hours. There is no charge for private tours, but donations are gladly accepted!
General Overview:
The Monrovia Historical Museum was established in 1992 and occupies the building that once housed the city's Municipal Swimming Pool, known as the Monrovia Municipal Plunge or "The Plunge," which operated from 1925 to 1983. 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, as well as exhibits featuring our high school, an interactive police department exhibit, a Lost Businesses of Monrovia exhibit, and our diversity exhibit unveiled in 2022 during our 30th Anniversary event.
The Historic Collections Wing includes our World War I and II exhibit, Military, Foothill Flying Field, a Natural History section showcasing unusual creatures and oddities seldom seen in public displays, a special collection of vintage telephones and cameras, and our rotating art exhibit featuring local artists, courtesy of the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts. In progress are our Route 66, Monrovia Fire Department, and our Historic Homes exhibit which will feature Monrovia's History Through Architecture.
The Monrovia Historical Museum was established in 1992 and occupies the building that once housed the city's Municipal Swimming Pool, known as the Monrovia Municipal Plunge or "The Plunge," which operated from 1925 to 1983. 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, as well as exhibits featuring our high school, an interactive police department exhibit, a Lost Businesses of Monrovia exhibit, and our diversity exhibit unveiled in 2022 during our 30th Anniversary event.
The Historic Collections Wing includes our World War I and II exhibit, Military, Foothill Flying Field, a Natural History section showcasing unusual creatures and oddities seldom seen in public displays, a special collection of vintage telephones and cameras, and our rotating art exhibit featuring local artists, courtesy of the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts. In progress are our Route 66, Monrovia Fire Department, and our Historic Homes exhibit which will feature Monrovia's History Through Architecture.
For Kids
The Past of Your Home Town: School groups (Grade 3) - Using the Museum's exhibits, students can learn about how Monrovia was founded, what life was like in Monrovia in the early 1900s, and how Monrovians participated in national events such as World War II. Guided tours are available to walk students into the past through the Museum’s exhibits which include historical scenes, photos, and objects of everyday life.
Natural History Explorer: Elementary-school-age clubs and troops - In a guided tour, children can examine natural history through the Museum’s extensive collection of fossils, rocks, minerals and seashells. Ever wonder what rocks are made of? Or what kind of creatures lived long ago? This tour includes hands-on learning about fossils, minerals, and rocks.
Please Note: The Museum requires that all children’s groups bring enough chaperones to supervise the children.
The Past of Your Home Town: School groups (Grade 3) - Using the Museum's exhibits, students can learn about how Monrovia was founded, what life was like in Monrovia in the early 1900s, and how Monrovians participated in national events such as World War II. Guided tours are available to walk students into the past through the Museum’s exhibits which include historical scenes, photos, and objects of everyday life.
Natural History Explorer: Elementary-school-age clubs and troops - In a guided tour, children can examine natural history through the Museum’s extensive collection of fossils, rocks, minerals and seashells. Ever wonder what rocks are made of? Or what kind of creatures lived long ago? This tour includes hands-on learning about fossils, minerals, and rocks.
Please Note: The Museum requires that all children’s groups bring enough chaperones to supervise the children.
For Seniors
Looking for an outing for your senior group or club? Come for a one-hour guided-tour of the Museum’s exhibits and have a bring-your-own picnic lunch in adjacent Recreation Park afterwards. Learn about how Monrovia was founded and historic structures that are long gone. We’d also love to hear your stories about living in Monrovia!
Looking for an outing for your senior group or club? Come for a one-hour guided-tour of the Museum’s exhibits and have a bring-your-own picnic lunch in adjacent Recreation Park afterwards. Learn about how Monrovia was founded and historic structures that are long gone. We’d also love to hear your stories about living in Monrovia!
Spanish Language Tour
We offer tours in Spanish to groups of 6 or more by reservation. Email us!
We offer tours in Spanish to groups of 6 or more by reservation. Email us!