We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Rowland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m the sixth generation to live in Southern California. I’ve lived in Chino my entire life but my roots are in the San Gabriel Valley, My 3x great grandfather bought land from Mexico in the 1840’s. I grew up watching my grandfather John Rowland IV work on his allotment of land. They farmed the land and respected it. We were taught that there are no short cuts. You have to work hard and have the ability to pivot when you need to. It keeps you evolving and taking risks. Also, make sure you’re doing your part and chip in when someone needs a hand.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been creating my own path and finding my perspectives by studying others. I’m proud of the fact that even though I’d never been in charge of a huge restoration project that I jumped in and did what I thought was right for the mansion. I’m excited about what the LPVHS has done to preserve the John Rowland Mansion and for its 170 year celebration in 2025! The steps to the ultimate goal of a fully restored home sometimes may seem unobtainable. That’s the time when I need to think of new ways to bring the community together. If I’m not sure how to proceed on a matter, I ask others for help. I also keep in mind how the outcome will affect people in the future. Small gains moving forward are just that and should be appreciated. I revel in learning the little things. If I make a mistake, I will learn from it and move on.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Since I’m intrigued by local history and a naturalist, I would take them to downtown LA, little Tokyo -OOMASA for lunch or Olvera Street-La Noche Buena. Go to Griffith Park and take a sunset hike to the Hollywood sign. Then go to the observatory in the evening to check out the city lights at night.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are networks of people who have lifted me up through out the years. My best friends, my family, and the hiking community. The La Puente Valley Historical Society for allowing me to lead the efforts in preserving the John Rowland Mansion and Dibble Museum. To the artist Evan Hall for our partnership with House Museum.
And all of my students, who have taught me that wondering, being creative, and imagining is what harnesses new ideas.

Website: http://lpvhistoricalsociety.org/com

Instagram: John_rowland_mansion_lpvhs

Image Credits
Evan Curtis Hall

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