The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County are working together to add a new roof to the Hart Museum’s mansion.  

The current Spanish tiles are the originals, dating to the mansion’s construction from 1926-27.  

Due to his sister’s deteriorating health, Hart was instrumental in the mansion’s design, making sure his sister could live there comfortably. Hart hired Los Angeles architect Arthur Kelly for his project, and the two kept in close contact during the construction.  

Two of their letters, which SCVHistory.com has on file, can be read here. 

Construction of the new roof begins July 26 and, although this will close the mansion in the interim, guests are welcome to visit the Hart Museum’s Ranch House located across the Animal Barnyard (home to dozens of bison) near the main entrance. Hart Park will also remain open.  

The mansion is expected to reopen in October. During Hart’s career as a silent film actor, he took residence in Hollywood. But as his career was nearing its end, he permanently moved to the Newhall estate in 1927 following the mansion’s completion.  

William S. Hart Park and Museum is located at 24151 Newhall Avenue, Newhall, CA 91321. The Park is open seven days a week until 6:00, but the Ranch House is closed on Monday and Tuesday. The Ranch House is currently open for self-guided tours Wednesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 am. Admission is free.