City Council is set to receive an update Monday on the City Historian Laureate program staff members are currently developing.
The City Historian Laureate Program aims to explore and publicize key historical moments and connect with existing resources to deepen the understanding of the city’s past. Various local and historical organizations, such as the West Hollywood Preservation Alliance and the LA County Historical Society, will support these efforts. The program is also linked to the WeHo Stories Project, which archives the city’s oral history, and a new 40th Anniversary Cultural History Grant from the City’s Arts Division to fund projects in 2025 that celebrate and investigate the city’s unique cultural and policy-driven milestones.
The City Historian Laureate of West Hollywood will be selected through an application process, where candidates must demonstrate expertise in local history, research, reporting, communication, and community engagement. The chosen Laureate will serve a two-year term as an ambassador, tasked with promoting and educating the public about the city’s unique and progressive history. This includes highlighting its role as a sanctuary for marginalized communities, its cultural significance in areas like the Sunset Strip and Design District, and its influential narratives in music, film and political advocacy.
During their term, the Laureate will develop public lectures and write short pieces to shed light on specific historical aspects and movements. They are also expected to connect with existing resources and participate in community events to further historical knowledge and engagement. The program emphasizes objectivity in historical interpretation, catering to various specialty areas that applicants might bring.
The City Historian Laureate is not responsible for archival tasks but will receive a travel stipend similar to other city Laureate programs to support their role at events outside West Hollywood.
The city budget includes an annual stipend of $15,000 for the Laureate to perform their duties and a $5,000 annual travel stipend to cover reasonable travel expenses at 1 to 2 events, every year, for the duration of their term.
Councilmembers directed staff to begin work on the program in December 2023, and they approved it last May.
Applications for the position will open up sometime this month or next and will be reviewed by a panel of “external raters who are knowledgeable about the West Hollywood community and who have capacities to skillfully analyze applicants to assess their professional fitness for the Laureate role.” The deadline to apply will be in October, and applications will be reviewed in November before an applicant is selected in December and approved by Council in January.
So stupid.
I am not sure that “professional qualifications” are in order. What we really want is a good story teller. Nobody wants to see the City trying to dictate an “official” history of our City. I would nominate Carl Cronin for this position as Carl has a long career as an observer of local antics and is a great writer. But I doubt if Carl, despite his obvious talent, would survive the interview process. But he would write a great story about it.
This could be a very valuable way to inform more of the city residents and visitors of the myriad events of historic importance, before and after cityhood. I would recommend a larger discretionary budget for events. Maybe a sponsorship by say,1933 Group?
Isn’t there a history already done by a private publisher?