Take a step back in time and walk through the Santa Monica History Museum’s new exhibition, presenting the history of The Old Soldiers’ Home, A Veterans’ Community by the Sea.
The Santa Monica History Museum, operated by The Santa Monica Historical Society, is the official collector of art, history and culture on the Santa Monica area.
The main gallery is showcasing their temporary piece about the history of the old soldiers’ home. The exhibit is called The Old Soldiers’ Home: A Veterans’ Community by the Sea. It will detail the history of the home and how it has changed over the years. It will continue to be on display until Jan. 18 leaving the public time to learn about the veteran’s life and history within the beach city.
“Visitors are more than welcome to look at these historic documents, photographs, and other artifacts,” said Kathryn Evans, Development & Museum Manager. “It brings attention and life of the veterans and their history in the community.”
Objects for this exhibit come from the museum’s collection as well as from the private collection of the Bandini family.
The Sawtelle Veterans Home was a care home for disabled American veterans in what is todays Los Angeles. The exhibit provides information regarding the Sawtelle community and the stories associated with its residents such as a group of veterans from the California State Veterans Home in Yountville who walked 500 miles to become residents of the new facility.
The exhibit also includes pictures of the Streetcar Depot that once sat on the famous Los Angeles Pacific Company’s Balloon Route. The electric railway line carried everyday travelers on a 100-mile trip across Los Angeles County and visitors went on to the Old Soldier’s Home, a prime attraction.
Pictures are shown of previous presidents like McKinley, Taft and Roosevelt visiting the Old Soldier’s Home. Staff at the museum are happy to provide further information regarding the exhibit and the Bandini family.
On Nov. 9 the museum will host a presentation on the Old Soldiers Home’s journey to becoming the Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles Medical Center. Ricardo Bandini and Andrew Carillo, both part of The Bandini foundation will be speaking to and with the public.
The History Museum will offer free admission on Thursday, Oct. 13 from noon to 8 p.m.
The museum and exhibit is open to the public Tuesdays and Thursday from noon to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission for adults and seniors is $10 and $5 for students. Veterans, active-duty military, children 12 and under, and Santa Monica History Museum members receive free admission.
Marina Andalon
marina@www.smdp.com
