John Rowland Mansion

16021 Gale Avenue, City of Industry - La Puente, CA

On July 20, 2024, the La Puente Valley Historical Society (LPVHS) and House Museum will host a grand re-opening of the John Rowland Mansion, featuring a site-specific art exhibition and community celebration. After four years of dormancy, the historic landmark formerly known as the John A. Rowland House, is experiencing a surge of local support from LA Conservancy, Neon Cowboys, Ballet Folklorico Popurri, and the larger San Gabriel Valley community.

The John Rowland Mansion was built in 1855 by Alta California settler John Rowland I. In 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service - United States Department of the Interior for its architectural and cultural significance. The mansion was built with original Mullally bricks in the Greek Revival Style on what was a 48,790 acre rancho. Embodying California’s early history, the Rowland Mansion speaks of Western pioneer tales and is home to 19th and 20th century artifacts.

Currently gridlocked by commercial warehouses and removed from street view, the regional presence of the landmark has nearly vanished. Programming ceased during the Covid-19 lockdowns, but Amy Rowland, a sixth generation descendent of John Rowland II and the president of LPVHS, has advanced a restoration process with her board over the past six years. Having fond childhood memories of the property, she envisions the home returning to its role as a central gathering place for the San Gabriel Valley community.

House Museum has partnered with LPVHS to help realize this vision. Artists, gathered by House Museum director Evan Curtis Charles Hall, have been invited to use the physical and conceptual history of the Rowland Mansion as their material for creation. The landmark exhibition explores how art practice can be an alternative method for historic preservation. Artworks will be installed on the mansion’s second floor and exterior grounds, complemented by the Rowland family exhibition on the ground floor—curated by Amy Rowland.

Rowland Plaque Revision - Work In Progress. By Evan Curtis Charles Hall, produced by Prolongations.org

Opening on July 20, 2024 from 4pm – 8pm, the midsummer program will offer a new view into the revitalized landmark and the artworks built for it. The Rowland Mansion will publish its Fall calendar and re-open as a place for youth engagement, workshops, and educational tours. There is ongoing opportunity for aligned organizations, patrons, and volunteers to support the future work of the Rowland Mansion and House Museum. Please contact us for more information.