Philomathean Landmarking

The Philomathean Club building located at 18th Street and Broadway in Santa Monica was awarded landmark status by the Santa Monica Landmarks Commission on Monday, April 8th, 2024. This event was part of the Quinn Research Center project.

The Philomathean Club, established in 1921, is the oldest African American women’s club in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and perhaps in Southern California. The designation marks the culmination of several years’ effort by Philomathean Club leaders, the Quinn Research Center (QRC) and the Santa Monica Conservancy. Built in 1958 in a modest mid-century modern style, the building contained a hall and kitchen intended to host meetings and celebrations as well as a barber shop and a beauty salon which still generate income for the Club’s work which still serves the local community.