About Us

CHS 2011- 2012 Board of Directors

Elected Positions:

President ...............................................................................  Sue Jennings
First Vice President and Program Chair ....................................  Martha Duley
Second Vice President and Membership Chair ..........................  Marilyn O' Connor
Third Vice President and Ways and Means Chair .......................  George French

Recording Secretary ...............................................................  Judy Jordan

Treasurer ...............................................................................  Pia Coleman
Corresponding Secretary ........................................................  Arlene E. Bernholtz

Appointed Positions:

Historian ................................................................................  Bradley Bobbs, Ph.D.
Parliamentarian ......................................................................  Debbie Bruschaber

Hospitality .............................................................................. Pat French

Librarian ................................................................................. Robin Mitchell
Member at Large .................................................................... James Bozajian

Newsletter Editor .................................................................... Megan French

Committees welcoming member involvement:

Library: Assist with the selection, processing, and maintenance of the CHS library collections.

Project Development: Assist with the member monthly newsletter and dissemination of CHS news to all members; help maintain membership database for mailing purposes.

Telephone: Assist with contacting members when necessary.

CHS also forms special committees throughout the year. Individuals may find out more about special programs and projects by contacting CHS.

 What we do....

The Calabasas Historical Society (CHS), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was formed in 1979 by a grass roots volunteer effort to promote and preserve the historical interest of Calabasas and its surrounding environs. Through the dedication of volunteer members, CHS has successfully created an organization involved in many aspects of historical preservation that includes:

· Maintaining archives and collections containing the historical treasures of the area.

· Offering tours and special programs highlighting the area's culturally-rich history.

· Honoring citizens who have contributed to the history of Calabasas with the Living History award.

· Providing annual scholarships to students.

· Partnering with other organizations and local government in preservation goals and public programs.

CHS is proud to have a group of dedicated individuals who continue to support, expand and enhance the efforts of CHS. The Board of Directors is elected annually to lead the organization and oversee special committees that allow CHS to accomplish so many of its goals.

CHS Programs & Accomplishments:                    

Since incorporation on July 3, 1979, CHS continues to preserve and share the area's culturally rich and diverse history. CHS's contributions broaden public interest in history while enriching the community through:

· The preservation and maintenance of the Ruth Loring Collection, named after the founder and first president of CHS. This collection contains publications on Southern California History.

· The Living History Award honoring individuals whose dedication and hard work has been instrumental in making and preserving local history.

· Photos in the California State University at Northridge's Oviatt Library digital library collection.

· The restoration of the 1931 Zig Zag Moderne fountain in Park Moderne, the oldest subdivision in Calabasas (now known as "the bird streets").

                  
The Calabasas Historical Society continues to carry out its mission statement by being involved in activities connected with historic sites in the area, and in events of historical interest in Calabasas and surrounding environs.  It promotes the annual performance of Juan Bautista de Anza's encampment in Calabasas on February 22, 1776.  This is a community effort re-enactment by the Calabasas Anza Heritage Association.  The Society has purchased a commemorative brick at Juan Baustista de Anza Park in Calabasas, Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills, and at the Pioneer Memorial Cemetery in Sylmar, California.  This site is the location of the second-oldest cemetery in the San Fernando Valley and honors and documents the remains of Civil War veterans from the San Fernando Valley.

CHS is also making history with new programs currently in development:

 - Calabasas Historic Preservation Committee;

- Completion of a video for presentation to schools and local civic organizations;

- Introduction of a Calabasas Heritage oral history program.

Living History Recipients:
                       
1979
Julian Alvarez
Theresa Thilmony
Rodger Sterling

1980
Fausto Velarde

1981
Edith Hass Hull

1982
George Smith
Mona Neels

1983
Ed Orr

1984
Catherine Mulholland
John Gensely
Lu Bredlow

1985
Ruth Loring
Dolores Belling

1986
Patricia Russell Miller

1987
Ray and Nancy Phillips

1988
Alice C. Stelle
Mac Stelle

1989
Charles Mureau
Rosemary Hulle

1991
Jody White

1994
Beverly and Bill Wilkenson

1995
Dorothea (Dottie) Heitz

1996
Mary Alice Norton

1997
Mary Ann Hart
Frank and Betty Farmer

1998
Don and Marie Wood

1999
Bob and Kathy Hill

2000
Phyllis Power

2001
Kathy Ayers

2003
Dennis Washburn

2004
George and Pat French

2005
Arlene E. Bernholtz
James Bozajian
Marilyn O'Connor

2006
Robin Gensley Mitchell
Earlyn Mosher

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

Vic Cook

(Please note: the award is not given every year.)

     Vic Cook and Robin Mitchell Pictured

 CHS is a member of the Associated Historical Societies of Los Angeles County, Autry Museum, California Historical Society, and Conference of California Historical Societies.