BURBANK : Free Museum Plans Benefit to Ease Costs

What do Cajun-style cooking and a stompin’ zydeco band have to do with Burbank’s history?

Usually, nothing. But this Saturday they may play an integral role in determining what the future holds for the city’s archival past.

Hoping to meet rising operating costs, the Burbank Historical Preservation Society’s financially troubled Gordon R. Howard Museum will hold its first fund-raiser. Until now, the museum has been sustained entirely by private donations.

“Our maintenance and equipment costs are tremendous, and most of our money is gone.

“This is the first fund-raiser we’ve felt the need for,” said Mary Jane Strickland, founder of the preservation society.

The group manages the Gordon R. Howard Museum’s collection of turn-of-the-century American furniture, antique clothing and other memorabilia.

A land grant from local real estate developer Gordon R. Howard in 1984 made it possible for the society to launch the museum, which features a 1922 bus built in Burbank, a 1910 Red Cross quilt and a Lockheed-built display chronicling the history of the aviation industry in the area.

“We sold the land Mr. Howard gave to us for $400,000,” Strickland said. “(Since then), that money has allowed us both to expand and to continue operating without charging the public a dime.”

More recently, the museum also received $250,000 from a private foundation.

But with a minimum operating budget of $25,000 for general maintenance and office supplies, the museum’s coffers have become seriously depleted.

As a result, displays and programs could be seriously affected, Strickland said.

“But, I’m determined to keep things running as they are,” she said. “We do not want to supplement our funds by charging the public a fee. We feel that what we’re doing should just be seen and that there shouldn’t be a price on it. It’s the best free thing in town.”

The fund-raiser will take place at the museum, 1015 W. Olive Blvd., starting at 5 p.m. The $15 to $20 admission will include guided tours of the museum grounds, Cajun food and free zydeco dance lessons.