The Historical Society of Southern California seeks to connect people to their past and to the places they live by combining inclusive historical scholarship and community engagement to explore and disseminate the complex multicultural history of Southern California and the West. Founded in 1883, the HSSC is a membership-driven, nonprofit organization.
OUR MISSION
THE HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA • SINCE 1883 • EDUCATING LOCAL AND GLOBAL COMMUNITIES • PRESERVING HISTORY • ARCHIVING OUR PAST •
HSSC History
On November 1, 1883, a group of fifteen citizens in Los Angeles gathered to discuss the formation of a local historical society. Their first official meeting took place in the old Temple Block in downtown Los Angeles at the corner of Main and Market Streets. The group began presenting scholarly papers and collecting manuscripts, books, and artifacts on California history, and on February 13, 1891, the Historical Society of Southern California (HSSC) was officially incorporated.
Publication has been a goal of HSSC almost since its inception. The Historical Society of Southern California Annual was first published in 1884, making it the oldest, continuously-operating historical journal in California history. In 1935, the annual became a quarterly publication, which was renamed the Southern California Quarterly in 1962. That year the Society also began publishing a regular newsletter, and eventually began publishing a series of books on the political, social, cultural, and environmental history of Southern California.
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of HSSC, the City of Los Angeles declared November 4, 1983, “Historical Society of Southern California Day.” Between 1965 and January 2015, the Society was headquartered at the Charles Lummis Home and Gardens, also known as “El Alisal,” which was owned and managed by the City of Los Angeles. Today, the Historical Society of Southern California continues to publish a quarterly academic journal, the Southern California Quarterly, as well as books and a newsletter, the Southern Californian. The Society further holds several annual events and recognizes the work of scholars, teachers, and community leaders through a series of eight major awards.
Preserving Our Shared Heritage
Your contributions directly support the Historical Society of Southern California in our mission to safeguard the stories, documents, and artifacts that define our region. Join us in cultivating a deeper understanding of our collective past.
The Ovnick/Nunis Fund
Supporting publication of the Southern California Quarterly and expanding access to historical scholarship for the public.
Educational Outreach
Funding lectures, community workshops, and scholarships for future and current historians.
Legacy Circle
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of our organization through endowed giving.