About Us
Discover how we pursue the best for Pasadena through advocacy, education, and the protection of Pasadena's unique historic resources
The Edmund Blinn House, photo by Tavo Olmos and Dennis Hill
About Us
Pasadena Heritage was incorporated in 1977 as a 501(c) (3) non-profit historic preservation organization. Since inception, we have grown from a grass-roots group of concerned citizens to the second largest preservation organization in the state. Our programs directly benefit the City of Pasadena and attract a broad regional audience.
We advocate for the protection of historic resource and provide education programing and events showcasing and defending Pasadena’s rich history and extraordinary architectural legacy.
Our Mission
The mission of Pasadena Heritage is to identify, preserve and protect the historic, architectural and cultural resources of the City of Pasadena through advocacy and education.
Our Home
The Blinn House was designed in 1905 by renowned Chicago architect George Washington Maher and is the only known Maher residential structure built west of the Mississippi River. Featuring finely detailed woodwork and paneling, beautiful fireplaces, and hardwood floors, the Blinn House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, both individually and as part of the Ford Place Historic District. The Blinn House is also a Pasadena Cultural Landmark and is listed on the California Register of Historical Resources.
In 2021, after more than 75 years of service to its members and the Pasadena community, the Women’s City Club of Pasadena decided to dissolve and transfer ownership of the Edmund Blinn House to Pasadena Heritage. The Blinn House now serves as our offices and remains a meeting space for local community groups.
Historic Preservation
Pasadena Heritage holds more than 80 historic preservation easements (the largest easement program west of the Mississippi), and has a revolving Preservation Fund to assist with hands-on preservation projects. We are best known for the preservation of Old Pasadena, which became a model for preservation planning nationwide, and for the preservation fo the Colorado Street Bridge where we host our biennial Bridge Party.
Major focuses of the organization in the past two years have been the update of the Historic Preservation Ordinance which was strengthened and modernized, the designation of the Pasadena Avenue Historic District to the National Register, and continued advocacy on Pasadena’s Specific Plans and other zoning issues to ensure compatibility with historic resources.
Our Events
A brief list of the types of events we conduct serving our local community, showcasing the best parts of Pasadena and providing education on Pasadena’s unique and significant history.
Walking Tours
Home Tours
Lectures
Community Meeting Space
Colorado Street Bridge Party
Craftsman Weekend
Join us and make a historic impact today!
Learn more about how you can help preserve Pasadena’s history, provide education programs, and save endangered buildings and structures.
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