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Updated June 23, 2009
The Homestead Museum offers a variety of special events, tours, and programs throughout the year, listed here in chronological order.
For information about any of these programs, or reservations, call (626) 968-8492.
You can find a map that shows you where the Museum is located on our Home Page.
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Beyond the Grave Tours Saturday & Sunday, January 24 & 25 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m. Free; reservations recommended |
American attitudes toward death changed dramatically from the 1840s,
when the Workman family built their home, through the 1920s, when the
Temples built La Casa Nueva next door. This tour gives an overview
of these changes as experienced by the two families and includes a visit
to El Campo Santo, the private cemetery established by the Workman
family in the 1850s. Hour-long tours are free, but reservations are recommended (space is limited for each tour) and can be made now. This tour can accommodate visitors with limited mobility and is recommended for ages nine and up. |
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Architectural Painting Workshop with Ken Cooper Saturday & Sunday, February 7 & 8 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $40 for adults; $30 for students (over 12), teachers, and seniors |
Increase your awareness of historic architecture while discovering its
possibilities as subject matter! A lecture, walk-through of the historic
site, one-on-one tutorials with the instructor, and demonstrations of
watercolor techniques are all included in this workshop, along with the
opportunity to create your own masterpiece. Materials Needed: Space is limited to twelve participants. Reservations are recommended and can be made now! Workshop fees for both days are $40 for adults and $30 for students, teachers, and seniors. Bring your own lunch, or have us order a box lunch for you for a small fee. To register, or for more information, please call (626) 968-8492. |
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From Courtship to Petting Parties: A Living History Tour Saturday & Sunday, February 14 & 15 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m. Free; reservations recommended |
Was romance any less complicated in the "good 'ol days?" Talk to living history characters from the 1870s and 1920s and find out for yourself! Hour-long tours are free, but reservations are recommended (space is limited for each tour) and can be made now. This tour can accommodate visitors with limited mobility. |
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Pio Pico: A Medical Mystery Unveiled Sunday, March 8 2 p.m. Free; reservations recommended |
In 1902, author Gertrude Atherton wrote that, "an uglier man than Pio Pico rarely had entered this world." In describing his facial features, she was probably referring to 1850s photographs that showed the last governor of Mexican California with highly exaggerated facial features, including a thick nose and heavy jowls. For 150 years, no one seemed to read anything more into these images, but Dr. Ivan S. Login, a neurologist at the University of Virginia immediately saw something quite different. Login, who received a postcard with an 1852 image of Pico, his wife and two nieces, immediately suspected that Pico had "acromegaly," a metabolic disorder that causes abnormal growth of cartilage and soft tissue in the face and extremities. In Pico's case, Login and his daughter, Jessica, did extensive research and speculate that the ex-governor had a benign tumor of the pituitary gland, causing a high level of growth hormones that distorted Pico's features. The result was a case report published in 2008 in the journal Pituitary. On Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m., Dr. Ivan Login and Jessica Login will discuss their research and findings in the Homestead Museum's Gallery. A light reception will follow their presentation. Throughout the day, visitors can take self-guided tours of El Campo Santo, the private cemetery that contains the remains of Pio Pico and his wife, Maria Ygnacia. Admission is free, but seating is limited. Call (626) 968-8492 to make a reservation. |
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Behind-the-Scenes Tours Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m. Free; reservations recommended Please note: All tours are now booked! Please call (626) 968-8492 for information about standby options. |
What's in the basement, you ask? This tour will show you! See the basements and other places that are seldom seen by the general public. Hour-long tours are free, but reservations are recommended (space is limited for each tour) and can be made now. Please note: Because stairs are included at almost every stop, we cannot accommodate visitors with limited mobility for these tours. |
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Curator Camp Saturday, March 28 & Saturday, April 18 For children in grades $20 camp fee |
This dynamic one-day program gives children a special opportunity to work behind the scenes at the Homestead Museum on lots of exciting and fun projects as a Junior Curator. Children will not only learn to preserve and protect the Museum's collection, but acquire the physical tools and knowledge of how to care for family collections at home, as well. Participants will enjoy one-on-one instruction in a small group setting. Camp size is limited to ten participants per session. The $20 camp fee includes lunch, a "Junior Curator" T-shirt, and a take-home preservation kit. Registration for all camp dates is available now. |
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Romance of the Ranchos Sunday, May 3 1 to 5 p.m. Free—but bring spending money for food and shopping. Sorry, pets are not allowed at the festival. |
Experience life on an early California rancho at the Homestead Museum's Romance of the Ranchos festival. Visitors will get a taste of what life was like for people living in the Southland during the 1840s and '50s through music, historic house tours, visits with living history characters, adobe-making and blacksmithing demonstrations, food, family activities, and more. Check out the details below, or click here for a flyer. • Delight in the sounds of early California with Mariachi Monumental de America and Dogtown Filharmonik • Watch colorful folklorico dance demonstrations • Visit with living history characters from the past including Pio Pico, the last governor of Mexican California • Get a feel for rancho life by making an adobe brick and practicing your roping skills • See blacksmithing, pottery, gold-panning, and woodworking demonstrations • Enjoy exhibits in the Museum's historic houses • Learn about Native American culture, the history behind the epic story of Ramona, and the practice of phrenology • Try your luck at games like Monte, Faro, and Shut the Box • Make a variety of crafts, visit ranch animals at the petting zoo,
and much more! Please note: In the event of rain, the festival will be canceled. |
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Lawless Los Angeles: A Living History Tour Saturday & Sunday, May 30 & 31 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m. Free; reservations recommended |
How were crime and punishment handled in early Los Angeles? And how did things change by the Roaring Twenties? Speak with living history characters from the 1870s and 1920s to find out. Hour-long tours are free, but reservations are recommended (space is limited for each tour) and can be made starting February 14. This tour can accommodate visitors with limited mobility. |
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Pottery-Making Workshop Saturday, June 6 12:30 to 5 p.m. $25 for adults; $20 for seniors and students over 12 |
Perfect for those who have little or no experience in pottery-making, this workshop will provide an introduction to wheel-throwing and hand building. Students will have an opportunity to make a creation of their own, which will then be personally fired by the instructor, Paul "Bear" Bradford. The registration fee is $25 for adults, and $20 for seniors and students over 12. Space is limited, and registration begins April 13. |
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Beyond the Grave Tours Saturday & Sunday, June 13 & 14 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m. Free; reservations recommended |
American attitudes toward death changed dramatically from the 1840s,
when the Workman family built their home, through the 1920s, when the
Temples built La Casa Nueva next door. This tour gives an overview
of these changes as experienced by the two families and includes a visit
to El Campo Santo, the private cemetery established by the Workman
family in the 1850s. Hour-long tours are free, but reservations are recommended (space is limited for each tour) and can be made starting February 16. This tour can accommodate visitors with limited mobility and is recommended for ages nine and up. |
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Once Upon a Time...at the Homestead Saturday, June 20 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. OR Ideal for children ages Free; reservations recommended |
What kind of hats did people wear
a long time ago? What kinds of hats do you like to wear? Come to the Homestead's
storytelling event to learn all about hats, and be sure to bring your favorite
hat from home! Join us for a time of storytelling, crafts, singing, and
much, much more.
Admission is free, but reservations are recommended and can be made
starting April 6. Parents: Consider visiting your local library before or after the event to keep your young ones engaged with reading! The two libraries located closest to the Homestead Museum are in Hacienda Heights and La Puente. |
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Ticket to the Twenties Saturday & Sunday, July 18 & 19 4 to 8 p.m. both days Free—but bring spending money for food and shopping. 1920s dress is encouraged & Prohibition will be strictly enforced! Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets, but please leave little Fido at home (only certified service animals are permitted at the festival). |
Dig out your glad rags and join us for a weekend of great fun! Celebrate the Roaring Twenties as you enjoy music, dance demonstrations and lessons by the One2Swing Jitterbugs, crafts, vintage automobiles, historic house tours, and tasty food during BOTH days of the festival, and note some of the special performers and activities that differ from day-to-day below! Click here for a copy of the festival flyer. Saturday, July 18 Sunday, July 19 This festival is generously cosponsored by the Industry Manufacturers Council. |
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Behind-the-Scenes Tours Saturday & Sunday, July 25 & 26 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m. Free; reservations recommended |
What's in the basement, you ask? This tour will show you! See the basements and other places that are seldom seen by the general public. Hour-long tours are free, but reservations are recommended (space is limited for each tour) and can be made starting March 14. Please note: Because stairs are included at almost every stop, we cannot accommodate visitors with limited mobility for these tours. |
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Curator Camp Tuesday, July 28
(FULL) & Tuesday, August 11 For children in grades $20 camp fee |
This dynamic one-day program gives children a special opportunity to work behind the scenes at the Homestead Museum on lots of exciting and fun projects as a Junior Curator. Children will not only learn to preserve and protect the Museum's collection, but acquire the physical tools and knowledge of how to care for family collections at home, as well. Participants will enjoy one-on-one instruction in a small group setting. Camp size is limited to ten participants per session. The $20 camp fee includes lunch, a "Junior Curator" T-shirt, and a take-home preservation kit. Registration for all camp dates is available now. |
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The Gossiper's Grapevine: A Living History Tour Saturday & Sunday, August 29 & 30 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m. Free; reservations recommended |
Heard any good gossip lately? Two living history characters from the 1920s will share the latest that they have heard as they take you on a tour through La Casa Nueva. Hour-long tours are free, but reservations are recommended (space is limited for each tour) and can be made starting June 24. This tour can accommodate visitors with limited mobility. |
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Behind-the-Scenes Tours Saturday & Sunday, September 19 & 20 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m. Free; reservations recommended |
What's in the basement, you ask? This tour will show you! See the basements and other places that are seldom seen by the general public. Hour-long tours are free, but reservations are recommended (space is limited for each tour) and can be made starting June 24. Please note: Because stairs are included at almost every stop, we cannot accommodate visitors with limited mobility for these tours. |
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Beyond the Grave Tours Saturday, October 31 & Sunday, November 1 1, 2, 3, & 4 p.m. Free; reservations recommended |
American attitudes toward death changed dramatically from the 1840s,
when the Workman family built their home, through the 1920s, when the
Temples built La Casa Nueva next door. This tour gives an overview
of these changes as experienced by the two families and includes a visit
to El Campo Santo, the private cemetery established by the Workman
family in the 1850s. Hour-long tours are free, but reservations are recommended (space is limited for each tour) and can be made starting June 24. This tour can accommodate visitors with limited mobility and is recommended for ages nine and up. |
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Once Upon a Time...at the Homestead Saturday, November 7 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ideal for children ages Free; reservations recommended |
Little ones will enjoy stories, crafts, singing, dancing, refreshments, and more! Check back soon for information about the theme! Reservations are recommended and can be made starting September 1. Parents: Consider visiting your local library before or after the event to keep your young ones engaged with reading! The two libraries located closest to the Homestead Museum are in Hacienda Heights and La Puente. |
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Wreath-Making Workshop Saturday, November 14 $25 for adults; $20 for seniors and students over 12 |
The holiday season is the perfect time to craft wreaths. Bring a pair
of garden pruners, light gloves, an apron, and any garden-harvested branches
of your own. The registration fee is $25 for adults, and $20 for seniors and students over 12. Space is limited, and registration begins September 1. |
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A Southern California Christmas Sunday, December 13 1 to 5 p.m. Free—but bring spending money for food and shopping. Sorry, but pets are not allowed at the festival. |
Experience over one hundred years of Southland holiday traditions at the Homestead's annual festival as you enjoy music, historic house tours featuring costumed characters at the Workman House, theatrical performances, special exhibits, demonstrations, beautiful decorations, crafts, food, shopping, and much more. Check back for more details as we get closer to the event. Please note: In the event of rain, the festival will be canceled. |
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Holiday Evening Tours Saturday, 4 to 7:40 p.m. $5 for adults; $3 for seniors, students, and children 2-12; children under 2 are free |
Once again, the Homestead will offer special evening tours one evening in December for visitors to enjoy period decorations by moonlight. Tours will focus on how the celebration of Christmas in southern California changed from the 1840s through the 1920s. Following each tour, visitors can enjoy cider and sweet treats in the Homestead Museum Gallery. Admission: $5 for adults and $3 for seniors, students, and children 2-12. Children under 2 are free. Tours will depart every 20 minutes from 4 to 7:40 p.m. Tickets go on sale October 31, and advanced purchase is recommended. |
| Homestead Museum || Historic House Tours || Events & Activities || Workman House || La Casa Nueva || El Campo Santo |