Taleen Barsoumian, along with Nancy Oshima, V.P. Outreach & Events,

Tricia Loper, V.P. Membership, Kathryn Engel, treasurer and Katherine Peters Yamada, secretary, has been elected president of The Glendale Historical Society for the 2024-25 year. She succeeds John Schwab-Sims, who has led the organization since 2022. He and his family are wished the best in their new home in France.

Barsoumian is a native Angeleno who was raised in Glendale. For her preserving and restoring the city’s historic landmarks is vital for fostering nostalgia and community identity. These landmarks are more than mere structures; they are the silent storytellers of local histories, embodying the aspirations, struggles and triumphs of those who came before. 

Barsoumian’s journey into the world of historic advocacy began when she and her husband made the decision to move to the Jewel City. Their home, a Spanish Colonial Revival, is listed as a contributor to the first historic district designated in the City of Glendale. Shortly after joining TGHS, Barsoumian embraced the opportunity to become a docent at the Doctors House Museum. In this role, she discovered a platform to share her love for history with others. During her tours, she drew compelling contrasts between the rudimentary practices of Victorian-era healthcare and the cutting-edge regenerative medicine therapies she works with professionally. This unique perspective not only educates her audience about the medical advancements that have taken place over time but also underscores the importance of understanding historical context in appreciating contemporary progress.

Formerly TGHS’s board secretary, Barsoumian played a crucial role in advancing the society’s mission of safeguarding Glendale’s historic heritage. Her involvement in community events has been instrumental in fostering a sense of belonging among members and encouraging active participation in preservation efforts. A standout initiative was the recent member appreciation family event she spearheaded at Montrose Bowl, which celebrated TGHS members while promoting collective responsibility toward preserving Glendale’s history. By creating opportunities for families to engage with their community’s historic narrative, Barsoumian wishes to instill a sense of pride and ownership in local heritage.

Now, as the newly elected president of TGHS, Barsoumian is poised to lead the society into a new chapter of growth and engagement. Her vision encompasses not only enhancing outreach programs but also expanding educational initiatives aimed at involving the youth in preservation efforts. By fostering a new generation of history enthusiasts, Barsoumian hopes to ensure that the stories of Glendale’s past are preserved and honored for years to come.

In addition to the officers, other members of the board of directors for 2024-25 are Teal Metts, David Meunier, Michael Morgan and David VanTuyle.