The San Dimas Historical Society was established in 1965 and maintains an extensive collection of photographs and papers from early San Dimas and the surrounding area. The nucleus of the collection is the photos and writings of Mrs. Harry Walker who came to our town in 1864 and lived out her life here. The Society maintains exhibits of early San Dimas in the foyer of the City Hall, at the Martin House located at 246 East Bonita Avenue, and at our museum located at the restored Santa Fe Depot at Monte Vista and Bonita Avenue. The museum offers a look at San Dimas from its beginning to more current times and offers souvenirs for sale. Please call our office regarding the hours the museum is open. The Historical Society has sponsored a project to mark historical sites with bronze plaques. This is a new and on-going project to recognize many of our important sites within the city. Membership is open to anyone interested in preserving the local history. For additional information, please call (909) 592-1190, or visit our office upstairs in the Martin House. We are open Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. |
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Each year, the San Dimas Festival of Arts sponsors the Western Art Exhibition and Sale. For 29 years, it has been one of the most exciting events of the year for San Dimas held annually on the last weekend of April. In addition to approximately 150 pieces of art (oils, watercolors, sculptures, and other media) from the 30 artists, the exhibition includes seminars, auctions, and a trading post. Area volunteers have worked tirelessly over the years to make the exhibition a nationally acclaimed event, bringing a special identity to San Dimas. The 29th Annual National Western Art Exhibition & Sale will be April 23-24, 2005. In addition, the 9th Annual Fall Wildlife Art Show is planned for October 2005. The Festival has sponsored three public art projects which were dedicated to the community - the Jedediah Strong Smith Memorial in November of 1992 and the Tongva Mural in May of 1997. The third public art entitled "Catching Frogs" was dedicated in December 1998. Begun as a project of the Chamber of Commerce in 1977, the San Dimas Festival of Western Arts has grown to become a non-profit organization with the stated purpose of "Preserving the Western Spirit" through the arts. The Festival is an organization supported by the community through fundraising and the annual exhibition. The Festival office is located in the Martin House at 246 East Bonita Avenue in San Dimas. Please call (909) 599-5374 to learn about the many ways you can become involved in this unique cultural event. |
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The Pacific Railroad Society operates the Pacific Railroad Museum in the former train depot in San Dimas, California. The depot has been restored to represent a working railroad station. Artifacts and exhibits on various aspects of railroading are on display at the museum. The depot also houses an extensive research library containing books, documents, maps, and photographs collected since the 1930s. The San Dimas Depot is open to the public on Saturdays, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and on Wednesdays, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and is located at 210 West Bonita Avenue, between Cataract and Exchange. The San Dimas Pacific Railroad Museum is staffed by volunteers. For more information, call (909) 394-0616. |
