Congratulations to Paul R. Spitzzeri, the recipient of an Award of Merit from the American Association for State and Local History for his book “The Workman and Temple Families of Southern California, 1830-1930.” Spitzzeri is the Collections Manager at the Homestead Museum in the City of Industry.

Only 59 individuals and organizations received the 2009 awards. The AASLH Leadership in History Awards are the nation’s most prestigious recognition for achievement in the preservation and interpretation of state and local history. This is the 64th year for the awards.

Since joining the museum staff in 1988, he has published numerous articles in regional journals and authored many encyclopedia entries about immigration, law and western icons. He is currently researching for a study of criminal justice administration in Los Angeles from 1850 to 1875.

Spitzzeri’s book tells the story of the transformation of Los Angeles as experienced by the Workman and Temple families, whose houses and family cemetery are the centerpieces of the six acre Homestead Museum site.

Family members worked as cattle ranchers, farmers, politicians, bankers, entrepreneurs and real estate developers.

Their successes and failures are explored in the book, which can be purchased at local bookstores, at Amazon.com or at the museum, 15415 Don Julian Road in the City of Industry.