A new series from Los Angeles public art historian Michael Several on the On Bunker Hill blog tracks how Pershing Square came to get its Spanish-American War Memorial. Here's part one. And Michael should know: he's the dedicated Angeleno who landmarked the memorial when it was in danger during the last Pershing Square redesign!

Stay tuned for the rest of the story of the oldest piece of public art in the city.

Progress in our Save The Pershing Square Monuments campaign: Pershing Square Renew's Facebook post

Eighteen days ago, we launched the Save the Pershing Square Monuments petition, seeking a commitment to retain the park's historic monuments on site and return them to their traditional locations within the park from several civic and private entities involved in Pershing Square's present management, and the proposed privatization under the non-profit Pershing Square Renew.

More than 240 people have signed and shared eloquent messages in support of keeping Pershing Square's monumental history right in the park where it belongs.

And our message is getting through. This morning on Facebook, Pershing Square Renew made this post:

We ❤️ Pershing Square’s history & that includes its monuments! Design plans currently include sculpture garden, which could be great home for them. Final placement within the park will be decided in public hearings for design plans, so please stay involved! Where would you like to see them in current plan?

We are encouraged to see Pershing Square Renew making a social media statement in support of the Pershing Square monuments, and look forward to this commitment being formally expressed as part of its policies and printed statements moving forward.

We're also interested to hear that public hearings will be how the proposed park redesign will be presented to the community. This is the first we've heard of any planned hearings, and we'll certainly keep you posted as we learn more.

Please feel free to stop by Pershing Square Renew's Facebook page to thank them for supporting Pershing Square history and remind them that the monuments need to return to their historic locations in the park.