BE ADVISED: On Saturday 10/12, the Los Angeles Coliseum will host the USC vs. Penn State football game. Kickoff is at 12:30pm. This event will impact traffic, parking, and wayfinding in the area due to street closures. Please consider riding the Metro E (Expo) Line and exiting at USC/Expo station.

black and white image of motorcycles driving down pch seaver center

Seaver Center for Western History Research

The Seaver Center for Western History Research is the two-dimensional and flat objects collection area of the History Department.

Our purpose is to collect, preserve, and make available to the general public research materials documenting the history of the trans-Mississippi West, with special emphasis on Southern California and Los Angeles.

Historic records include manuscript materials, books, serials, pamphlets, broadsides, maps, posters, prints, and photographs.


To schedule a research appointment, please call 213.763.3359 or write to the Seaver Center at seavercenter@nhm.org to discuss your research interests.  There may be ways we can provide the information you need without an in-person visit.   Research appointments are Wednesdays/Thursdays from 10 am to noon; 1 pm to 4 pm.

Museum guests in the Seaver Center

Frequently Asked Questions

More History at the Museum