Hart (William S.) County Park Research Files, ca. 1950's-, 1955-2012

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Summary

Title:
William S. Hart County Park Research Files, ca. 1950's-
Dates:
1955-2012
Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
6.0 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

William S. Hart County Park Research Files, ca. 1950's-. Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Background

Scope and content:

When William S. Hart died in 1946, he left the bulk of his estate to the County of Los Angeles, stipulating that his house and ranch property were to be used as a museum and public park. The Parks and Recreation Department of Los Angeles County operates and maintains the grounds at Hart Park, and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is responsible for the historical interpretation of Hart's home, its contents, and several other buildings. Most of the collection consists of correspondence and clippings generated and collected by employees, mainly Lloyd Hiatt, of the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department working at Hart Park during the 1950's-1970's. The files contain information on the artifacts at Hart Park, especially guns and Indian textiles, as well as on many western artists, including Charles M. Russell, James Montgomery Flagg, and photographer David F. Barry. There are magazines and clippings about Hart and Hart Park. This collection continues to grow as the History Division staff of the Natural History Museum adds additional relevant material. Included, for example, is the "William S. Hart County Park Historical Background Study" by Abraham Hoffman, prepared in 1988 for the History Division. See also Gen. Col. 1012 William S. Hart Papers, and Gen. Col 1191 Fred Gehring Letters (pertaining to Hart Park). See also GC1353, MSS-247, MSS-251, MSS-575. Photographs transferred to collection P-98. See also P-20.1, P-75.

Biographical / historical:

William Surrey Hart (1864?-1946) was a stage and motion picture actor, film director, author. Best known for his roles in western films.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County staff.
Date Prepared:
1955-2012
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Research is by appointment only

Terms of access:

Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder

Preferred citation:

William S. Hart County Park Research Files, ca. 1950's-. Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Location of this collection:
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007-4057, US
Contact:
(213) 763-3359
seavercenter@nhm.org
Website