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Historic Sites Surveys
GC 1323
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Table of contents
Title: Historic Sites Surveys
Dates: 1974-1996
Collection Number: GC 1323
Creator/Collector:
Sitton, Tom
Extent: 850 files
Repository:
Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Los Angeles, California 90007-4057
Abstract: Files for surveys conducted in the 1970s for over 850 cultural and historic sites in Los Angeles County. Data includes building
names, year of construction, architect, owner and type of business. Some photographs attached. 1974-1996, bulk 1974-1978
Language of Material: English
Research is by appointment only
Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder
[Identification of item]. Historic Sites Surveys. Collection Number: GC 1323. Seaver Center for Western History Research,
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Biography/Administrative History
Surveys were compiled by Tom Sitton during his tenure as the Head of History Department, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
County. In 1973, the History Department of the Natural History Museum was selected to conduct surveys of Los Angeles County
historic sites as part of a statewide project funded through the National Preservation Act of 1966. Tom Sitton was appointed
project facilitator in 1974 and worked with various historical societies to complete survey forms. From 1976 to 1977, the
museum project operated through a grant awarded by the state Office of Historic Preservation, which allowed the hiring of
three graduate students for the completion of 500 surveys, taking site photographs, as well as to help write eighteen nominations
for the National Register of Historic Places (three of which were historic districts). The project concluded in 1978.
Scope and Content of Collection
Files for surveys conducted in the 1970s for over 850 cultural and historic sites in Los Angeles County. Data includes building
names, year of construction, architect, owner and type of business. Some photographs attached. 1974-1996, bulk 1974-1978
The Los Angeles County historic site surveys were conducted from 1974 through 1978. Compilation of data for historic sites
continued beyond 1978 until approximately 1996, by way of Sitton's efforts to add application sheets prepared for National
Register of Historic Places nominations. These application forms provide a breadth of information to supplement the data
found on the original survey forms. Research materials in the survey files include clippings, photocopies of articles and
photographs taken contemporaneously.
National Register of Historic Places
Historic sites--Conservation and restoration.
Historic buildings--Conservation and restoration.
California. Office of Historic Preservation.
Los Angeles County (Calif.)