Los Angeles Conservancy launched a new virtual tour, “Building Community: Pioneering Architects in L.A.,” available for students beginning this February. In addition, now through February 15 all virtual field trips are buy one, get one free. L.A. Conservancy is a member-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving L.A.’s historic buildings. The Conservancy’s engaging tours immerse students in the rich architectural and cultural history of Los Angeles and support California’s Common Core State Standards in History and Social Studies. Virtual field trips are led in real time by Conservancy staff. 

The new interactive tour for students in grades 6-12 explores historic places designed by pioneering Black architects. Through the stories of Norma Merrick Sklarek, Paul R. Williams, Gabrielle Bullock, and many others, students will learn how Black architects shaped Los Angeles and influenced communities through advocacy and design. Other student programs include “Celebrating Griffith Park,” a virtual trek through Griffith Park’s 125 years, including the history of Gabrielino Tongva who inhabited the land, historic buildings that remain and the people and events that have made the park so special.

“A Woman’s Place,” which is available as either a virtual or in-person tour, uncovers untold stories of the women who helped build Union Station and Chinatown. Students will visit iconic Union Station and historic Chinatown while learning about important women connected to both sites, like Arcola Philpott, the first woman and first African American to be hired by the Los Angeles Railway, and Esther Wong, one of the first female business owners in Chinatown. Other tours that are available as virtual or in-person include “Historic Downtown,” an introduction to the history and architecture of downtown L.A., and “Union Station,” an exploration of America’s last great train station built at the end of the golden age of rail travel.

All virtual trips are part of the buy one, get one promotion, available to parents, youth group leaders and teachers. They must take place before July 1. In-person trips are also available for booking but are not part of the promotion. For more information or to book one of the field trips, visit www.laconservancy.org/student-field-trips.