HomeMy WebLinkAboutAM Minutes: 03/04/2026MUSEUM COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Dale Carter called the meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. in the Museum
Education Center.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Chairperson Dale Carter
ROLL CALL — Chairperson Dale Carter; Chairperson Pro Tempore Ginny Blitz, Commissioner, Angela Ayala,
Marilyn Daleo; Library Director Darlene Bradley, Museum Curator Stevy Acevedo, and Museum Education
Coordinator Lauren Porras.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
REPORTS FROM MUSEUM COMMISSION MEMBERS/LIAISONS:
Reports from Liason Blitz included a remembrance for past Commissioner Janalee Shimmin at the Arboretum,
where a tree was dedicated in her honor. Additionally, Commissioner Dale Carter pointed out a small detail in
the Library display regarding the Santa Anita Depot, which staff appreciated and was able to correct.
REPORT FROM THE DIRECTOR
The Director informed staff of her plans to retire in June. Staff is also currently working through the budget
process for the upcoming fiscal year, while noting several additional City updates, including the departure of
Children's Librarian Petra Morris, the recognition of Sharon Kwan, and the transition to new Mayor Eileen
Wang.
REPORT FROM THE CURATOR
Curator Acevedo notified the Commission of the collections, exhibits, and administrative work that remained
active throughout this period. Volunteers and interns continued supporting collections management through
inventory, digitization, cataloging, and database work, including projects related to the Arcadia Historical
Society Collection, Arcadia Woman's Club Collection, and the Floretta K. Lauber Collection. Additional
volunteer support also helped with front desk coverage, educational kits, flyer translation into simplified
Chinese, and exhibit panel translation for the Museum's website. The Museum also benefited from intern
support in preschool programming, digitization, and accessioning new artifacts. Several new donations were
received, including materials related to Santa Anita, the Pacific Electric Railway, Boy Scouts, and Arcadia Little
League.
On the exhibit side, staff uninstalled the Little League exhibit from the Arcadia Public Library and closed the
Camp Santa Anita exhibit on January 17. Staff then installed the Lunar New Year exhibit, which opened on
February 7 and featured loaned items from community members, including a hand -embroidered wedding dress
and paintings. Planning was also underway for the Created Equal exhibit in collaboration with First Avenue
Middle School teachers, with an opening scheduled for March 21.
Administratively, staff continued working closely with the Friends of the Arcadia Museum, attended community
and school district events, and promoted Museum programs and exhibits through local partnerships. The City's
new website launched on January 16, with updated Museum pages prepared by Curator Acevedo. Staff also
strengthened internship pipelines through meetings with East Los Angeles Community College and California
Resource Services for Independent Living. In addition, staff prepared their CAM conference presentation,
supported America 250 planning efforts, and expanded the Museum's visibility through regional networking
and professional engagement.
REPORT FROM MUSEUM EDUCATION COORDINATOR
Coordinator Porras informed the Commission that the Museum offered a range of educational programs,
school visits, and new community initiatives. On January 17, the Girl Scout program Celebrating Communities
welcomed 12 participants, and a Cub Scout Dino Excavation program was scheduled for February 21. Staff
also completed five school programs at Hugo Reid Elementary and Highland Oaks Elementary, and prepared
for Holly Avenue's annual March 18 field trip with about 150 students in attendance. On February 11, the
Museum launched Reel Reflections, a new monthly film discussion program designed to build community
engagement through PBS films and guided reflection. The Preschool Program began on February 13 with 13
children in attendance and 16 new registrations, and its popularity has prompted staff to consider expanding
supplies and learning materials. Hidden Histories also returned to Saturday programming, featuring PBS
documentaries that highlight underrepresented stories in Southern California history. The first Preservation
Workshop of the year took place on February 28, with 8 participants, and introduced a new focus on
collectibles and memorabilia care. Staff also prepared for outreach events, including Lunar New Year at the
Arboretum and Arcadia Goes Green at the Arcadia Library. Volunteers supported these efforts by assembling
hundreds of kits, goodie bags, and event materials, while the Museum also welcomed several new teen and
adult volunteers. From January 1 through February 18, volunteers contributed 436.67 hours of service.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 7, 2026, AT 5:00 PM in the Museum Education Center
at 382 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia.
Recommended action: Approve
Commissioner Daleo moved to approve Consent Calendar Item "a" which was seconded by Commissioner
Ayala. The motion carried.
Ayes: Chairperson Carter, Chairperson Pro Tempore Blitz, and Commissioners Ayala and Daleo
Noes: None
ADJOURNMENT:
Chairperson Dale Carter adjourned the meeting at 5:38 p.m. to Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the
Museum Education Center at 382 West Huntington Drive, Arcadia.
Approved:
Darlene Bradley, Director of L-ary and Museum Services
Prepared by: Lauren Porras, Museum Education Coordinator