Museum History

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley was founded in 1975 on the campus of Los Angeles Valley College by Dr. James Dobson and associates. The Museum's headquarters is in a historic bungalow, the first administrative office for the campus. A generation of World War II and Korean veterans came through the building to take advantage of a community college education provided by the G.I. Bill. The Museum houses an important collection of books on San Fernando Valley history, a variety of photographic treasures, Native American artifacts, vintage clothing, and rare agricultural implements. It provides many educational services including popular lectures and membership trips.

To meet the needs of a growing and highly mobile urban population, The Museum of the San Fernando Valley reorganized in 2005 with the intent of becoming a 21st century institution for the education and enjoyment of our areas 1.8 million residents, and our visitors. Through advances in technology, it is now possible to bring the Museum experience to the people while continuing to welcome visitors and scholars to our venues.

The Museum of the San Fernando Valley is a California non-profit corporation. We are a member institution of the American Association of Museums, the Western Association of Museums, and the California Association of Museums.