Join us as we kick off National Historic Preservation Month and reflect on the role preservation continues to play in shaping Pasadena.

When Pasadena Heritage was founded in 1977, the city stood at a turning point. Aggressive redevelopment plans aimed to revive a struggling local economy, but at a cost; historic buildings were demolished, neighborhoods were threatened, and the original downtown was nearly erased in favor of high-rise development. In response, residents began to organize at the grassroots level, pushing back and ultimately helping to reframe the future of Pasadena.

Today, those same tensions are resurfacing. Questions about growth, density, and identity are once again at the forefront of our everyday experience, and in many ways, the stakes are even higher. As Pasadena Heritage approaches its 50th year, this moment offers a chance to look closely at how past advocacy shaped the city we know today, and what that history can tell us about the challenges ahead. Preservation has never been just about saving buildings; it is about continuity, memory, and ensuring that the stories we carry forward reflect the full breadth of our community, including those that have too often been overlooked.

What happened in the 1970s, how a new vision took hold, and what preservation means for Pasadena today will be explored in a talk by Executive Director Dr. Bridget Lawlor on Monday, May 4.

Join Pasadena Heritage as we launch a month of celebrating preservation. Doors will open at the historic Blinn House at 5:30 PM, with light refreshments served. The program will begin at 6:00 PM.