Historic places can be both containers and canvases for creative expression. The John Rowland Mansion, managed by the La Puente Valley Historical Society, serves as a model for a fresh take on preservation: a confluence of art, history, and culture. 

Built in 1855, the Rowland Mansion it is the oldest extant brick building in Southern California. In 2024, Philadelphia-based preservation nonprofit House Museum brought together local artists and LPVHS members to create a series of installations at, and inspired by, the Rowland Mansion. The work culminated in a community-wide event that brought community members together to understand the site’s history in the context today’s social and environmental climate.

The Rowland Mansion was built in 1855 by Alta California settler John Rowland I in the Greek Revival Style. In 1960, the La Puente Historical Society was founded to steward this important landmark. The John Rowland Mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

For Evan Curtis Charles Hall, the founder of House Museum, “Each historic landmark requires its own approach to revitalization, which in this case involved social practice in addition to the creation of physical artworks.” From planting native black walnut trees to installing wheelchair ramps in the historic building, the John Rowland Mansion stands uniquely poised to bring communities together by letting shared history move us forward.

The L.A. Conservancy was glad to be involved with conversations with the House Museum and their unique, forward-focused work. We heartily agree with Amy Rowland, a family descendant and president of LPVHS, who says that “ [The Rowland Mansion] holds a unique connection to Southern California and deserves restoration and attention.”