Unbeknownst to many, “California” originally referred to the peninsula on the west coast of modern day Mexico, now commonly known as Baja California or Lower Cali. The Spaniards believed that they had discovered a gigantic island; it was only when they ventured further inland did they find that California extended north to join the rest of the continent, eventually naming this extension “Alta California.”
The Golden State’s history is so legend-rich that it’s almost fitting that the region was named for a fictional island paradise first documented in the 16th century Spanish romance Las Serges de Esplandian – which was popular when Spain’s explorers first landed on this slice of North America’s Pacific Coast.
Believe it or not, there are a plethora of historical museums near Woodland Hills to learn about and absorb this incredible history, and the suggestions below represent our picks for the best places to do so.
Leonis Adobe Museum, located at 23537 Calabasas Road in Calabasas, is the home of Miguel Leonis, one of the most colorful and larger-than-life figures in 19th century Los Angeles, having been a wealthy French Basque rancho owner in the San Fernando Valley. Originally slated for demolition, the Leonis Adobe survives today primarily because of the efforts of a local community activist named Kay Beachy, who recognized the importance of historic preservation early on and spearheaded the official formation of the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Board. The Leonis Adobe Museum remains an historical monument and living history museum dedicated to restoring, preserving and sharing California ranch life in the late 1880s. Open Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm.
The Ronald Regan Presidential Library and Museum, located at 40 Presidential Drive in Simi Valley, keeps the former president’s legacy alive through events and exhibits that allow you to rediscover his values, actions and spirit of determination. Perched atop a hill boasting sweeping views of the southland, the Regan Library is one of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations: walk onboard the actual Air Force One aircraft – tail number 27000 – which flew seven U.S. presidents, view a full-size replica of the White House Oval Office in which President Regan never took off his suit jacket and much more. Open 10 am to 5 pm every day except for September 27, Thanksgiving, December 2nd, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
The Getty Center, located at 1200 Getty Center Drive in Los Angeles, aims to inspire human connections and mutual understanding through art – indeed, it is here that you can enjoy this art in addition to architectural wonders and gardens, with collections spanning ancient to modern times. The Getty Center’s research staff studies the past to create new perspectives on the present, supporting scholars and professionals through grants, projects and publications, all while the facility’s representatives continue to market it as a cultural and philanthropic institution dedicated to the presentation, conservation and interpretation of the world’s artistic legacy. Through the collective and individual work of its constituent programs – The Getty Conservation Institute, Getty Foundation, J. Paul Getty Museum and Getty Research Institute – The Getty Center pursues its mission in Los Angeles and throughout the world, serving both the general interested public and a wide range of professional communities in order to promote a vital civil society via an understanding of the visual arts.
The Museum of the San Fernando Valley, located at 18904 Nordhoff Street in Northridge, has been preserving, promoting and educating since 2005, all the while striving to provide a voice to the distinctive histories of all cultures, races, religions and ideas that have contributed to the San Fernando Valley’s character and development. As an educational and cultural institution, the museum strives to acquire, display and preserve the artifacts, documents and records of the Valley, and with the help of residents, businesses, organizations and societies, The Museum SFV collections of historical items, fine arts and folk arts continues to build for the public to enjoy and for scholars to research. Open Tuesday from 1 pm to 5 pm and Saturday/Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm.
Valley Relics Museum, located at 7900 Balboa Boulevard Hangar C 3 and 4 in Lake Balboa, represents a fun, family-friendly journey through the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas, this one-of-a-kind pop culture museum featuring neon signs, classic cars, rare documents, yearbooks, restaurant menus, art, western clothing, vintage BMX bikes, a playable retro arcade and much more. The endeavor here is to collect, preserve, interpret and present the history of the Valley and surrounding regions for the purpose of sharing with residents and visitors alike the stories of those who shaped the area – and its role in the nation’s development. Open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.
California had become part of the life of the United States in the middle of the 19th century…an exotic land of untold promise on the then-distant Pacific Coast. The historical museums near Woodland Hills tell an important story from a history perspective because the state serves as a model – perhaps not a utopian model, but one which opens up a treasure trove of fascinating legends and facts that will inspire you no matter what part of Woodland Hills you call home.
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