Andrea Thabet, Ph.D. historic preservation, LACMA, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times, Museums, Uncategorized

Who Was Mary Louise Schmidt?

In 1936, little-known housing advocate and shrewd businesswoman Mary Louise Schmidt organized what might be the most significant architecture show of the 20th century — right here in Los Angeles. Long before the celebrated Case Study House program of the postwar years, Schmidt utilized her extensive knowledge of the architectural industry and new federal housing policy … Continue reading Who Was Mary Louise Schmidt?

Andrea Thabet, Ph.D. Bunker Hill, Civic Leadership, Dorothy Chandler, Future of Cities, LA Music Center, LA Politics, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Times, Museums, urban renewal

Channeling Dorothy Chandler: Voices From the Past and the Future of Los Angeles

Dorothy Chandler (1922-1997) was arguably the most powerful woman in Los Angeles during the 1960s - presiding over the city's most elite social circles, and appearing on the cover of Time Magazine in honor of her unprecedented cultural fundraising efforts. Yet, few Angelenos know who she is other than a name on a Music Center building downtown. So why … Continue reading Channeling Dorothy Chandler: Voices From the Past and the Future of Los Angeles