Originally, the ‘Friends’ group was formed in 1989 to raise funds to help pay operating expenses for the Historical Museum, established in the Rose Garden in 1986. As outside funding became available, a small core of ‘Friends’ became involved with the day-to-day activities of the museum, such as housekeeping, conducting student tours, and becoming the Society’s hospitality committee.
In 2003 the Friends turned their attention and energies into raising awareness of Arcadia’s unique history by maintaining a speakers’ bureau, offering vintage fashion shows, representing the Arcadia Historical Society at community functions, and maintaining the Society’s historical files.
A series of successful Garden Parties were given to offset the costs of their efforts, in addition to purchasing necessary equipment for Society’s programs, community events and the classic 1959 Ford Galaxy Police car.
A specific aspect of Arcadia’s history is featured during each Garden Party, thus keeping alive the group’s mission of “bringing Arcadia’s history to life.”
For a number of years, donations were made to the Campership Program through the Arcadia Community Coordinating Council. Also, the group granted a $1,000 scholarship award to an Arcadia Police Explorer Scout. Read about the scholarship awarded to Miguel Angel Hernandez.
The Friends of Arcadia Historical Society voted to disband in 2023 and transferred their accounts to AHS’s Board of Directors. Over the years, The Friends contributed much to the preservation of Arcadia’s history and their support and generosity will never be forgotten.