The mission of the Historical Collections Council is to promote and develop an appreciation of historical California art. Founded by Bob Ehrlich, Jean Stern and Janet Blake in 1985, the HCC, a 501 (C) tax-free status, nonprofit organization, has as its mission to provide an ongoing opportunity for its members to experience and learn about early California art. Members visit important art collections, both private and public, attend educational lectures, and enjoy social events with fellow art lovers.

Through our membership, the HCC has provided grants to institutions with a variety of bequests, such as the underwriting of catalogues and publications, the purchase and conservation of paintings, busing programs for children, and grants to help fund exhibitions. Some of our beneficiaries have been The Irvine Museum, Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, the Bowers Museum, the Hilbert Museum of California Art, the Laguna Art Museum, the Oceanside Museum, the Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah, the Santa Monica Historical Society, the California Museum of Art Thousand Oaks (CMATO), Casa Romantica and the Gardena High School Collection.

The HCC has as its advisor, Jean Stern, art historian, author, lecturer and Director Emeritus of the Irvine Museum (1992-2016). The association with Jean Stern has been a great benefit to our members.

This website is intended to be a resource for both HCC members and non-members.  Please check out the Calendar of Events, Recommended Reading section, the Featured Art & Artist section, or consider becoming a Member and complete the New Member form.