After 104-year wait

JOHNNY GRANT, HOLLYWOOD HISTORIC TRUST DONATE AIR CONDITIONING TO MUSEUM

As anyone who has visited the Hollywood Heritage Museum in the 1895 “Barn” can attest, it gets hot in there during the summer (or anytime else that it’s hot outside). Temperatures exceed those outside, so that this summer it was not unusual to hit 95-98° F by our 4:00 pm closing.

Historically recreated temperatures in the barn helped to demonstrate that lack of light wasn’t the only reason interiors were filmed outside in the early silent era. This changed when, on September 25, Hollywood’s honorary mayor Johnny Grant visited the recently reopened museum with Hollywood Heritage board member Delmar Watson. Johnny not only found the museum to be a great experience, but became a highlight himself as he and Delmar talked with guests coming through the museum for almost three hours (it was a cool day).

After discussing the museum’s plans with Delmar, Robert W. Nudelman, Marc Wannamaker, and contractor Randy Van Ausdall, in between guests, Johnny agreed with the important need for air conditioning for patron comfort and exhibit protection.

As president of the Hollywood Historic Trust, he went to their board meeting on October 4 and got their support for an $8,000 donation to install the much needed air conditioning. As of October 25, the system is on, just in time for our upcoming Developers’ Conference and other events, including the Silent Society screenings that can now, finally, program year-round in the Barn/Museum.

Hollywood Heritage thanks Johnny Grant and the Hollywood Historic Trust (which includes Hollywood Heritage board member Barbara Zicka Smith), for their generous support of the Hollywood Heritage Museum, its invaluable exhibits, and patrons and volunteers who will for years to come enjoy this landmark in a comfortable climate.