Remote Podcast: Inside the Burbank Historical Society's Member Appreciation Day

Step through the unassuming doorway of the Burbank Historical Society and prepare to be transported through time. What looks modest from the outside—marked by the iconic Little Blue House and freshly-restored F-104 Starfighter on Olive Avenue—opens into a sprawling 20,000-square-foot wonderland of history that ranks as the second-largest museum per capita nationwide. During a special Member Appreciation Day, Craig Durling and Ross Benson set up their podcast equipment among displays of Burbank"s rich heritage while the sounds of live music, the smell of tri-tip barbecue, and the laughter of families experiencing Bob Baker"s marionettes created a festive atmosphere throughout the museum grounds. Through conversations with museum leaders and local dignitaries including Council Member Constantine Anthony, we discover the remarkable story of this all-volunteer organization celebrating its 50th anniversary of preserving Burbank"s transformation from agricultural beginnings through its aerospace golden age to its current status as the Media Capital of the World. The passion of these keepers of history—Carrie Briggs, Don and Sue Baldessaroni, Gary Sutliff and others—shines through as they share stories of rescuing treasures from garages and estate sales that might otherwise have been lost forever. The museum constantly evolves, recently adding Amelia Earhart memorabilia, a meticulously restored miniature fire engine, and soon, a half-scale model of the legendary F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter. We even meet a descendant of the family who donated Burbank"s first park after growing lemons and oranges for Union soldiers during the Civil War. For just $20 annual membership, visitors gain unlimited access to this cavernous treasury where Johnny Carson"s Tonight Show suit, rare boxing memorabilia, and countless other artifacts tell the story of a city that continues to reinvent itself while honoring its past. Come explore what one guest calls "Burbank"s best-kept secret" and discover why you"ll want to return again and again. Support the show