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Give
Air view from the Verdugos in 1908 of the Valley that was soon to be Burbank.
Donate
We sincerely appreciate you considering a donation to the Burbank Historical Society. BHS plays a vital role in our community as our preservation and education efforts allow us to connect you to some significant milestones in our past. Through preservation we create opportunities to glimpse what life was like for those who were here before us – their challenges, their advancements. From the mundane to the fantastic, there’s so much to be shared.
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No gift is too small, and we invite you to take an active role in our preservation efforts by making a tax-deductible donation -- at any level -- to support the future of the Gordon R Howard Museum and the preservation of its collections for generations to come.
Be a Docent
Becoming a Museum docent can be an incredibly rewarding experience, both personally and professionally. By volunteering your time and knowledge, you can make a real difference in your community, sharing your passion for history and helping to educate others about the rich cultural heritage of Burbank. Whether you have a background in history or simply a love for learning, there are many opportunities to get involved and make a positive impact on visitors to the museum.
Docents are trained to be knowledgeable about the exhibits and collections on display, and are encouraged to engage with visitors of all ages to help them gain a deeper understanding of the artifacts and their significance. With a friendly demeanor and a willingness to share your knowledge, you can help to create a welcoming and informative experience for everyone who visits the museum.
Volunteer
One of our major projects is the ongoing digital preservation of our historical documents and photographs – an effort that is monumental in scope as we have tens of thousands of pieces in our archives.
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If you have an avid interest in Burbank’s history and a great attention to detail, please consider becoming a part of our archiving team.
For more information, please fill out and submit this online form.
Volunteer Application
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Thank you for your interest!
In the beginning…
What started out as a quest for information regarding her father’s years as Burbank’s police chief became a passion for Mary Jane Strickland. She discovered inaccuracies in the city’s records and set about inquiring about its methods, if any, for preserving historical data. Although the city library was storing precious historical documents and photographs, it became apparent to Mary Jane during this time that more had to be done. Soon after, she organized the Burbank Historical Society in 1973. She told the Los Angeles Times in a 1990 article, “I just started collecting things, putting things together and talking to people, and pretty soon I was a woman possessed.”
Mary Jane Strickland enlists the help of Gordon R. Howard to build our museum facility.
Where We Are
We Are Located in Burbank
Our museum complex is comprised of two structures that reside within George Izay Park. Though our mailing address is formally on Lomita Street, the primary entrance to our main facility can be accessed through the park entrance on Clark Avenue.
Museum Complex - Main Entrance
George Izay Park, 1100 West Clark Avenue, Burbank, CA 91506
Mailing Address
115 Lomita Street, Burbank, CA 91506