City of Monrovia
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Neighborhood Treasures celebrates historically significant Monrovians by installing public art in their honor within residential neighborhoods throughout the community. The program promotes cultural awareness, strengthens neighborhood pride, and inspires residents by recognizing local legends. Neighborhood Treasures is a living story, a local lens through which the community can explore and learn. By uniting the community and highlighting diverse achievements, Neighborhood Treasures continues to enhance civic pride and engagement.
Neighborhood Treasures was developed by Monrovia Area Partnership staff and leaders, vetted by the Art in Public Places Committee, and approved by the City Council in 2018. To date, the City of Monrovia has celebrated nine Neighborhood Treasures!
Monrovia's Neighborhood Treasures Program Selected as a Neighborhoods USA Award Finalist for Best Neighborhood Program in 2019 and 2025!
We’re so excited to be able to share the Monrovia’s Neighborhood Treasures program has been chosen once again as a finalist in the Best Neighborhood Program by Neighborhoods, USA (NUSA). One of the key components of the Neighborhood Treasures program is to affirm and reinforce the importance and value of Monrovia’s neighborhoods through the recognition and celebration of Monrovians that have contributed to the community through public art in their neighborhoods. The community’s reception to the program has been terrific and Neighborhood Treasures has become one of Monrovia’s flagship public art initiatives.
Lt. Col. Allen Allensworth
- Address:925 S. Shamrock Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016 - Phone:(626) 932-5525
Categories:- Neighborhood Treasures
- Address:925 S. Shamrock Ave
Allen Allensworth
Ltn. Col. Allen Allensworth was born into slavery, escaped and became a Union Soldier and later a Baptist minister and educator. He was appointed as a chaplain in the United States Army and was the first African American to reach the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served as the only black delegate from Kentucky in the Republican National Conventions. Ltn Col. Allensworth gained an appointment as a military chaplain to a unit of Buffalo Soldiers and planted numerous churches including Second Baptist in Monrovia. Upon retirement, his mission was to provide education, economic and political opportunities for African American’s in California. As such, in 1908 he founded Allensworth, California, the only town in the state established, financed and governed by African Americans. Allensworth is now a State Historic Park. Visit Friends of Allen Allensworth for additional information on Ltn. Col. Allensworth.