Nuestra historia
El Museo del Westside has grown from the love, determination, and hard work of Westside residents.
For years, Westsiders have been distressed by the demolition of homes and historic buildings in our beloved neighborhoods. Our way of life, our connections to each other, our rich cultural heritage, and el cariño a nuestro barrio seemed to be slowly disappearing. In 2002, community members fought to save La Gloria, where live bands played and people danced under the stars. Although we lost that fight, the struggle galvanized our determination to help long-term residents remain, to encourage young people to appreciate our rich cultural heritage, and to strengthen our Westside community identity.
Soon, a vision of the Museo del Westside began to take shape.
Then, in 2008, through the generosity of the Reyes family and Councilwoman Patti Radle, we acquired Ruben’s Ice House, a perfect building for a community museum that could bring the history and culture of the Westside to more of its residents and neighbors.
A core group—Isabel, Enrique, la Josie, Lucy, Ray, Angie, Jimmy, Mildred, Carmen, Elisa and more—formed the Corazones del Westside and began hosting story-telling gatherings at the Casa de Cuentos. By sharing stories of life in the Westside, participants fostered a deeper appreciation for the neighborhood’s rich cultural history.
Hundreds of people helped to create the Museo del Westside. Community historians, academics, and interns spent hundreds of hours researching and writing. Architects, engineers, and skilled builders worked for reduced rates. Countless community members generously donated time, photos, and artifacts. Ustedes, con su cariño a nuestra gente y nuestra historia, have built the Museo del Westside. Please continue to share your memories, photos, artifacts, research, insights, and more.