Our History 

​Hollywood Heritage was founded in 1980 by Frances Offenhauser, Christy Johnson McAvoy, Marian Gibbons, and Susan Peterson St. Francis. Motivated by a shared concern for Hollywood's historic buildings and cultural legacy, they created an organization dedicated to preserving the places that tell Hollywood's story. 

Saving Hollywood's Birthplace 

One of Hollywood Heritage's earliest and most significant achievements was rescuing the historic Lasky-DeMille Barn, widely recognized as the birthplace of Paramount Pictures. After securing a lease from Los Angeles County and raising funds through community support, volunteers restored the Barn and opened it as a film museum in 1985.  

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Today, the Barn serves as the Hollywood Heritage Museum and remains the heart of the organization's educational and preservation efforts. 

Preserving Hollywood's Architectural Heritage 
Over the years, Hollywood Heritage has played an important role in preserving some of Hollywood's most notable landmarks. Preservation successes have included:

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• The relocation and preservation of the 1905 Janes House

• The restoration of the historic Wattles Mansion 

• The preservation of the iconic Brown Derby restaurant on Wilshire Boulevard

• The protection of the Chistine Wetherill Stevenson monument 

• Advocacy efforts that helped establish the Hollywood Boulevard National Register Historic District in 1985

Continuing the Mission 
More than 40 years later, Hollywood Heritage continues to advocate for the preservation of Hollywood's historic built environment. The organization works with local, state and federal agencies while educating the public through museum exhibitions, lectures, tours, and programs focused on film history and preservation.

Join Us
Hollywood Heritage remains an all-volunteer, membership-supported nonprofit organization. We invite everyone who shares a passion for Hollywood history to visit the museum, attend our programs, and become involved in preserving Hollywood's unique heritage.

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We are especially grateful to our Board of Directors, members, volunteers, and supporters, whose expertise, dedication, and generosity make our work possible.