Historical Society Honored for Book

The highest statewide honor for historical preservation has been given to the Simi Valley Historical Society and Museum by the state Office of Historic Preservation.

The California governor’s award for historic preservation is being bestowed on the museum’s staff for its research on the book “Simi Valley--A Journey Through Time.”

Museum Director Patricia Havens wrote much of the historical guide and Bill Appleton compiled the book’s 546 photos.

“I think the nice thing about it is it’s good recognition for everyone involved,” Havens said.

Local experts on archeology, paleontology and other fields contributed to the 503-page book, which along with area history also includes information on the valley’s flora, fauna and significant recent events, including the 1994 earthquake.

“Together, it just made one great big reference book for the valley,” Havens said.

The award, which began in 1986, is given to groups that work on publicizing the state’s history, said Gene Itogawa, a supervisor in the Office of Historic Preservation.

“This is an exceptional case,” Itogawa said of the award, which was announced in late November. “Usually, the award is given for restoration or preservation.”

About eight or 10 awards are given out each year, Itogawa added.

The museum offers tours at 1 p.m. Wednesdays and from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. It is located off Tierra Rejada Road, west of Madera Road in Simi Valley. For more information, call 526-6453.