Los Angeles history comes alive on October 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 5th Annual Los Angeles Archives Bazaar. More than 70 collections related to Los Angeles history assemble in one place, offering a glimpse into the history of Southern California through rare and unique archived materials.
Organized by L.A. as Subject and hosted by the USC Libraries, the annual event is a celebration of the diversity of Southern California’s history. For scholarly researchers, history buffs, and those simply interested in exploring the region’s history, there is a discovery awaiting everyone at the Archives Bazaar.
This year marks the bazaar’s debut in the historic Doheny Memorial Library on USC’s University Park Campus.
Each year, the bazaar draws its strength from the breadth and variety of its participants’ collections. There are large institutions such as the Autry National Center of the American West and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County represented at the bazaar. Participants also include smaller organizations whose collections fill the gaps left in the city’s official history. Collections on display chronicle everything from the genesis of L.A.’s gay rights movement to the growth – and eventual dismantling – of the world’s largest interurban rail transit system.
Programming complements the exhibition by highlighting themes from the region’s history. Past bazaars have offered exclusive film screenings and author panels, as well as discussions by archival experts about preserving rare and valuable materials.