May 23 ~ "How Did Memorial Day Evolve?"

In the month of May, on Memorial Day we commemorate and honor the men and women of the armed forces killed in war. How apropos that our program is "How Did Memorial Day Evolve?" Come visit with us on Thursday, May 23 for an informative and enlightening overview of the beginnings of what was commonly referred to as Decoration Day and how it grew from the ashes of the Civil War to today’s Memorial Day. The program will be presented by Dr. Carole Morton, an avid deltiologist and exonumist and Civil War enthusiast. She will share and have on display ribbons and medals, along with an extensive Memorial and Decoration Day collection of postcards and cachets. This free event will take place at the New Life Church, which is located at the corner of Chatsworth St. and Reseda Blvd.

Ghosthunting Boot Camp Set for June 15

Tickets are now on sale for the first Ghosthunting Boot Camp at Pioneer Cemetery on June 15 conducted by Valley Investigators of the Paranormal (VIP). Scheduled from 6 p.m. to midnight, the fundraiser will help generate monies needed for landscaping. Ghosthunters will first learn the hows and whys of ghosthunting, then break off into small groups to test their new knowledge. Purchase tickets through http://www.showclix.com. Adults (over 21) are $50, and sub-adults (13-20) are $25; no one under age 13 will be admitted.

A Special Invitation for YOU

The San Fernando Valley Historical Society invites you to attend our Memorial Day Observance at the historic Pioneer Cemetery in Sylmar, California. Our event is Monday, May 27th and our observance begins precisely at 11 a.m. We are located at the corner of Foothill Blvd. at 14451 Bledsoe St. just off the 210 fwy.

Our free observance is led by volunteers and is a hometown, heartfelt event featuring our local All Veterans Burial Squad. This year we commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War (honoring 5 Civil War vets buried in the cemetery) with re-enactors performing a 21-volley salute with their authentic weaponry.

There’ll be some songs, some sadness, but we anticipate all who leave will have a renewed sense of what America has been and still is, and the sacrifices that have been made and are still being made to keep us free.

We’d appreciate your support.
Won’t you join us!
And please pass the word. Thank you.

Andres Pico Adobe - Construction Update

City work continues on the Adobe. Currently, other than city workers, only volunteers can access the building to do necessary work for the society.

Please note: There are no public tours or pubic access allowed. For more information, call 818-365-7810.

Regular monthly program meetings of the Society with exciting guest speakers will continue at:

New Life Church of the Nazarene (map)
10650 Reseda Blvd., in Reseda
(corner of Reseda Blvd. and Chatsworth Street)

Andres Pico Adobe

The Andres Pico Adobe is one of the oldest residences in the City of Los Angeles. It represents a bygone era and the rich historical past of the San Fernando Valley. Inside are museum displays of native American beads, Mission and Spanish-Mexican era artifacts, costumes and clothing that span more than a century, and furniture from the Victorian era, when the Adobe was home to members of the Pico family.

The Society is caretaker of the
Andres Pico Adobe and the
Pioneer Cemetery in Sylmar

Historical highlights