Monomania L.A.

Through a series of short films and articles, Monomania L.A. profiles five L.A. as Subject collectors who have turned a monomaniacal obsession with a particular aspect of Southern California history into a public resource. These collectors have documented disparate subjects -- the California orange, sci-fi reading circles, political graphics, a Mexican rancho, African American photographers--but their stories share one thing in common: a passion for history that has enriched our understanding of Southern California's past.

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Artbound

Monomania L.A.: Exploring California Collections

Monomania L.A. profiles collectors who have turned a monomaniacal obsession into a public resource. An Artbound special episode showcasing the series debuted March 17 on KCET.

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Artbound

Monomania L.A.: Kent Kirkton and Images of Black L.A.

Kent Kirkton's collection of images by African-American photographers is an essential resource for anyone researching the history of African-Americans in L.A.

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Artbound

Monomania L.A.: Ernest Marquez and Rancho Boca de Santa Monica

Ernest Marquez' family arrived in California in 1771. What began as a quest to illustrate a family history turned into a collection of 4,600 rare photos of historical Southern California.

Jim Kepner | Courtesy of the ONE National Gay and Lesbian Archives at the USC Libraries.

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Artbound

Monomania L.A.: Jim Kepner and the Sanctuary of Sci-Fi

The science fiction collection of pioneering LGBTQ rights activist Jim Kepner reveals hidden harmonies between sci-fi fandom and LGBTQ activism in the 1950s.

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Artbound

Monomania L.A.: David Boulé and the California Orange

David Boulé has assembled perhaps the largest single collection of materials related to the production and promotion of California oranges.

Rediscovering SoCal

L.A.’s Olympic Aspirations

KCET Cinema Series

Rediscovering SoCal

L.A.’s Olympic Aspirations

KCET Cinema Series

Monomania L.A.