The Whittier Historical Society was formed in 1970, and its immediate purpose was to start a Museum in the city of Whittier. Through the efforts of several determined individuals, a building was purchased and the Whittier Museum was open to the public in 1983. Since that time, the Whittier Museum has been dedicated to collecting, preserving and displaying the first 100 years of Whittier history and beyond. The Whittier Museum is completely supported by donations, grants and fundraisers. The Whittier Historical Society is committed to keeping the Whittier Museum open for school and special tours as well as to the public free of charge.
The Whittier Museum's digital collection at California Revealed consists of moving images and audio recordings from the 1950s to 2000s. The collection includes many oral history interviews with residents of Whittier, as well as films and videos documenting local events and the Fred C. Nelles Youth Correctional Facility in Whittier.
