The History of the Archives
The San Pedro Bay Historical Society Archives began in 1974 with Ed Hauck appointed curator. Within a month, the San Pedro Assistance League volunteered to assist him.
Flora Baker took over the position of curator from 1975 to 1977. A master list of all items given the Society was developed and efforts were made to find a suitable location for them.
Marion Skidmore was the curator in 1978 and 1979.
Hilda Hager took over in 1980 and wrote the first report on Archives activities found in the files. She designed a badge and other items that she sold to benefit the Society.
Kay Schultz took over July 1, 1981. By then the Archives were located in the Municipal Building, in Room 505.
In 1984, Dorothy Rideout was appointed historian and assisted Kay. In 1985, both Flora Baker and Kay Schultz volunteered to participate in the City of Los Angeles Archives Project. Six displays were created at the San Pedro Public Library ranging from early days in San Pedro, to San Pedro schools, and local Christmas celebrations.
In 1987, Kay Schultz’ title was changed from “Curator “(who administers a museum) to “Archivist” to better reflect her position in charge of an organized body of material relating to a specific subject or area. The collection continued to grow. In 1992 the Hager collection consisting of over 4,000 items was given to the Society. In addition, the Bob Beck Collection of News-Pilot negatives was also given to the Society the same year.
After the 1994 Northridge earthquake, discussion began on rehabbing the Municipal Building resulting in a temporary move in 1996 to headquarters at 530 W. 5th Street in San Pedro. The move involved over 1,000 boxes!
After Kay Schultz’ passing, Anne Hansford took over as archivist in the fall of 1997 and remained until her death in 2016.
In the spring of 1999 the News-Pilot ceased to exist as a separate newspaper. The Daily Breeze generously gave the files of newspaper clippings, photos, negatives, and documents to the Archives. At this time preparations also began for the return move to the Municipal Building, this time in Room 626, where it remains to this day.