The Torrance Historical Society (THS) was created in 1973 to acquire, display and encourage public interest in preserving items relevant to the history of the Torrance and the San Pedro Rancho.

At that time, the Torrance Public Library at 1345 Post Avenue, built in 1936 as the main library, was still a functioning branch of the Torrance Public Library System. The Society sought to establish a historical room there and, in 1974, did so for the first time. Its first newsletter premiered in 1975.

With the closing of the branch library there, the Society and the city opened the museum on March 15, 1979. It had an official grand opening on May 21, 1981, showing off displays designed and built by Bob Wade, Museum of Natural History retiree. This was also the 60th anniversary of the city's incorporation.

The Society has an ever-growing collection of photos, documents, books, artifacts and other material relevant to the city's past.

Did you know that Downtown Torrance was the West's first planned industrial city? Early residents were colorful men and women who turned dusty grazing land into one of Los Angeles County's most vital industrial, commercial and residential centers.

Irving Gill Central presents an excerpted article from Sunset Magazine written in 1913 detailing the start of Torrance. With colorful descriptions concerning the city and the architect, Irving Gill, who designed several buildings for Torrance, including the old Pacific Electric station, this article give insights to why and how Jared Torrance designed and implemented his ideas for the city and its people.

In 1983, the Historical Society began a long term program of placing bronze plaques on Torrance landmarks that merited recognition. Each plaque is headed by "historic building/landmark" followed by a landmark name, historic dates and Torrance Historical Society. To date there are thirteen plaques on landmarks throughout Torrance.

Membership... By becoming a member of the Torrance Historical Society, you will learn more about the people, politics and events that shaped this community. By getting involved, you too can become a part of this city's history. Benefits include: Invitations to special "Members Only" events Special program presentations Bus tours Research privileges in the historic archives Volunteer Opportunities Docent Training Meet fellow Historians Opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors Newsletter Subscription - Torrance Historian

Historical photos on this site were gratefully provided by THS. Torrance Theater, 1920's Cabrillo Street (Northbound), 1920's Carson Street, 1920's Harry E. Paige Grocery, 1917. It was in the El Prado Apts and it was one of the 1st grocers in the city. It is now a Methodist Church. Corner of Del Amo and Hawthorne Blvd., 1920's. Sartori Street, 1920's The Depot and Apartments in 1913. Western Avenue (Northbound),1922. Fiesta on Cabrillo St., 1920's Van Ness Ave., Llewellyn Steel and Park Terrace in front, 1914 Sartori Street, 1950's.

Membership Rates...
to the Torrance Historical Society are listed below:

Adult	$15	Family	$20
Youth (-18)	$10	Senior (65+)	$10
Business	$40	Organization	$40
Life	$250

Museum...
The Torrance Historical Society and Museum is open free to the public.

• Museum Hours
  Open:  Tuesday - Thursday, & Sunday   1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  Special hours can be arranged for private tours or research. Please contact the museum directly at (310) 328-5392.

  Closed:
  Mondays, Fridays, Saturdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.

• Museum Address
  Torrance Historical Society and Museum
  1345 Post Avenue
  Torrance, CA 90501
  (310) 328-5392

We thank you for supporting the Torrance Historical Society and its museum. Not only does your membership offer a year of enjoyment and enrichment, it also allows you to contribute to the success of the Torrance Historical Society and Museum in presenting exhibits, programs and services of the highest quality.

Fiesta on Cabrillo St., 1920's