Research Links
Historical Research
California History Online
This resource from the California Historical Society includes over 400 images from our fine arts, library, photography and other collections.
Electric Railway Historical Assoc. of Southern
Provides valuable historic information, charts and photos of the railways and trolley lines that once ran across the Los Angeles. Click here to read about the Echo Park Avenue line.
Historical Society of Southern California
Los Angeles’ oldest historical society publishes numerous historical journals and materials, sponsors research seminars and operates the Lummis House museum in Highland Park.
Leo Politi Centennial
View the events to celebrate the contributions of this noted childrens books author and painter.
Library Congress-American Memory
American Memory provides free and open access through the Internet to written and spoken words, sound recordings, still and moving images, prints, maps, and sheet music that document the American experience. It is a digital record of American history and creativity. Check the online database of old Los Angeles maps for historic views of Echo Park and Angelino Heights.
Los Angeles County Tax
Here is an easy way to find the year a structure was built without having to take a trip to the city’s building and safety department. Search this database of property records by street address or parcel map number.
Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Archives
From the Era of the Horses to Motorized Apparatus the Archive contains photos, drawings, reports, records, articles, maps and much more.
Southern California Genealogical Society
Discover your family tree with the help of one of the state’s largest family research centers
Historical Societies & Groups
Alhambra Preservation Group
The main historic preservation organization in the City of Alhambra
Burbank Historical Society
The City of Burbank’s main historical and preservation group, which also operates a museum.
Chinese Historical Society of Southern California
Studies the role of Chinese and Chinese Americans in Southern California and staffs the Chinatown Heritage & Visitor’s Center.
Glendale Historical Society
The main history and preservation group in the City of Glendale.
Friends of the Raymond Theater
The Pasadena theater that was built by the same person behind Echo Park’s Jensen Recreation Center.
Highland Park Heritage Trust
Dedicated to the preservation of Los Angeles’ Arroyo Seco communities of Highland Park, Garvanza, Mt. Washington, Hermon and Montecito Heights.
Historic West Adams
A community website for the historic neighborhood southwest of downtown Los Angeles.
Lincoln Heights
An informative and fun site devoted to another old neighborhood in Northeast Los Angeles.
Pasadena Heritage
The City of Pasadena’s leading historical and preservation group that sponsors numerous events and workshops.
San Pedro Bay Historical Society
The group maintains a large archive of material about San Pedro, the Los Angeles neighborhood that is home to the Port of Los Angeles
Preservation
Landmark This!
Get advice on how to have your home or site declared a historic monument in the City of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Conservancy
The city’s largest preservation group.
Modern Committee
An arm of the Los Angeles Conservancy focused on mid-century architecture and history. Home to a popular message board.
National Park Service
A source for technical advisories and guides on historic reservation practices and policies. “From the Roof Down” and “Preservation Briefs” sections geared to developers and property owners.
National Trust for Historic Preservation
The nation’s largest preservation group that holds national and regional conferences and seminars.
Old House Journal
The online version of the popular home restoration and renovation magazine
Old House Web
A large listing of suppliers for historic preservation and remodeling projects.
Permit L.A.
Search for permits, violations by street address in the City of Los Angeles.
Preserve LA
PreserveLA.com is a forum and clearinghouse for the latest news, information, and techniques concerning historic preservation and the history of Los Angeles and Southern California.
State of California Office of Preservation
The Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) is responsible for administration of federally and state mandated historic preservation programs in California. Good information on tax credits, preservation standards and
