The Lanterman Historical Museum Foundation will unveil its new exhibition on Feb. 14, titled “The Legacy of Frank Lanterman (1901-1981).”
The exhibition will give insight into the multi-faceted life of this famous La Cañada Flintridge resident. From his early days as a musician and political activist to his 28-year term in the California State Assembly, Lanterman was always a champion for the local community.
He was born on Nov. 4, 1901 to Roy Stanley Lanterman, a physician, and his wife, Emily Constance Lanterman. Frank and his brother Lloyd enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with their father into the local mountains, family outings to the beach and country picnics. Both Lanterman boys developed a great interest in cars and other forms of transportation. They graduated from Glendale High School and attended USC. Frank, who studied the pipe organ at USC, never graduated. Instead, he began a musical career, playing the organ in silent-movie theaters, both locally and abroad.
In 1950, Lanterman was elected to the state Assembly and would be re-elected 14 times, serving a total of 28 years. He authored nearly 400 bills in such diverse arenas as water, transportation, noise and air pollution, fiscal responsibility and the needs of the aging. He also advocated for people with developmental disabilities.
Following his retirement from the Legislature in 1978, he continued his political and community involvement, winning many awards for his lifetime of service. He died at age 79 on April 27, 1981.
There will be a full schedule of exhibition-related events in 2017. Admission to the nearly yearlong exhibition will be $5 for adults and $3 for students ages 12-18 as well as seniors. Children under the age of 12 are free. Tours of the Lanterman House are provided on Tuesday, Thursday, and the first and third Sunday of each month from 1-4 p.m.
The Lanterman House is located at 4420 Encinas Drive in La Cañada Flintridge. For more information, visit lantermanfoundation.org.
