About us

Hawthorne Historical Society

A nonprofit organization founded in 2011

Cheerleaders performing during a parade on a busy street in Hawthorne, with spectators and storefronts including Woodbury's and Honey's in the background.

Exterior view of Chips restaurant in Hawthorne, showcasing its retro signage and building design, with clear blue sky and surrounding street scene.

Vintage photo of Thompson's Family Shoe Center storefront with classic cars parked in front, showcasing mid-20th-century retail architecture and local business history.

Group photo of Hawthorne High School students celebrating the Class of 1969 graduation, with a large congratulatory sign in the background.

Vintage Hawthorne Ford and Chevrolet dealership sign featuring the names Hawthorne, Chaffee, and Kenneth, with a classic design and bold lettering.

Vintage Hawthorne Diner sign with neon lights and retro architecture in Hawthorne, California.

Illustration of the Hawthorne Historical Society building showcasing its unique architectural design and welcoming entrance.

A nighttime view of Food Giant supermarket with illuminated signage and parked cars in front, showcasing a classic grocery store scene in Hawthorne.

Hawthorne is located in the very heart of the favored Southwest, being in the direct path of Los Angeles, towards the only natural deep-water seaport in Southern California.

We endeavor to bring you closer to the City of Hawthorne, past and present, by providing exhibits, materials, local history speaker events, walking guided tours for area school classes, historical reference books and photographs, personal histories (oral and written) and our annual Hall of Fame Induction Dinner where notable people and organizations are recognized and honored.

The Hawthorne Land Company published and distributed thousands of circulars to entice people to purchase lots and or homes in the Hawthorne area. We welcome your input, comments, and contributions of photographs and memories to augment the collection.

Board Members

The Board members of the Hawthorne Historical Society are volunteers who are committed to its mission,its growth and its vision.
Board members serve a one year term subject to re-election each December. We welcome participation
please contact us for opportunities to serve the organization and its goals.

Historic Hawthorne Society sign with trees and parked cars in the background.

Pam Fees

President

Portrait of an elderly man standing in front of the Hawthorne Historical Society sign, highlighting community history and local heritage.

Lee Leonard

Vice President

Historic Hawthorne Society sign with trees and parking lot in background.

Richard Huhn

Treasurer

Historic Hawthorne sign at the Hawthorne Historical Society, showcasing the community's heritage and local history.

Anita McCullom-Collins

Director – Secretary

Portrait of an elderly man in front of the Hawthorne Historical Society sign, representing community history and local heritage.