The Echo Park Historical Society was founded in the Fall of 1995 to promote interest in Echo Park’s heritage, to preserve and protect natural sites and buildings of historic significance within their community, to document and collect materials pertaining to the rich and eclectic history of our neighborhood, and to chronicle the lives of our past and present residents whose deeds and contributions lend pride and substance to their lives here today.
Previously, there had been no mechanism in place to deal with preservation or history-related concerns in Echo Park. EPHS filled that void, and was instrumental in bringing the Jensen’s Recreation Center sign to the attention of the Department of Cultural Affairs. This resulted in the re-lighting of this unique Echo Park landmark on August 20 1997, after five decades of darkness.
EPHS sponsored Echo Park History Day at Barlow Sanitorium (built in 1902 – Historic Cultural Monument #504). This open house event featured guest speakers, tours, and an exhibit of vintage photographs and memorabilia from our archives. “Old-timers” in attendance were encouraged to be interviewed as part of our ongoing oral history outreach.
They publish a quarterly newsletter and hold general meetings three times per year featuring guest speakers on topics ranging from architectural preservation to historic education overviews of our community.
They are a grassroots, non-profit organization completely staffed by volunteers. Everyone is welcome to participate in our activities, including non-residents of Echo Park. Their operating costs are covered solely by membership dues and donations. The general public is welcome at all of their functions free of charge.
