Thursday, March 26, 2026

Michele Zack Explores Altadena’s Enduring Identity

[photo credit: Pasadena Museum of History]

Historian revisits her acclaimed work, “Altadena: Between Wilderness and City,” at the Pasadena Museum of History.

Altadena, a community nestled between the untamed San Gabriel Mountains and the bustling urban sprawl of Pasadena, possesses a unique spirit forged by its distinctive history. Two decades after its initial publication, Michele Zack’s nationally recognized local history, “Altadena: Between Wilderness and City,” continues to illuminate this singular identity. On Thursday, March 26, Zack will return to the Pasadena Museum of History for a compelling discussion, offering fresh perspectives on her acclaimed work and the forces that have shaped Altadena.

Zack, a recipient of the prestigious Pfleuger Award for best history writing in 2005, delves into Altadena’s evolution, placing its narrative within the broader context of Pasadena, the region, and the nation. Her meticulous research and engaging prose earned her praise from State Librarian Kevin Star, who lauded her work as “urban history at its best.” This special presentation promises an updated exploration of the unincorporated community’s past, including a poignant examination of the devastating Eaton Fire and its lasting impact.

Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights directly from the author as she shares her updated findings and reflections. The presentation will commence at 7:00 p.m., with the museum galleries opening an hour earlier, at 6:00 p.m., for those wishing to explore before the talk. Advance reservations are required for this event, which offers a unique chance to engage with a pivotal work of local history and its auth.

Michele Zack — “Altadena: Between Wilderness and City” Book Talk will run on Thursday, March 26 at 7 p.m. Galleries open at 6 p.m. Pasadena Museum of History, 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena. For more information, call (626) 577-1660 or visit pasadenahistory.org. Advance reservations required.