Tour Description:
We have a rare opportunity to experience this West coast version of the Paley Center for Media, which is headquartered in New York City. Our special 2 hour tour is on Tuesday Nov. 17, 2026 at 11am.
Your visit will begin with Managers Gary and Martin, who will give an entertaining and informative overview of the Paley Center for Media’s history and mission. The presentation will be punctuated by a lively discussion about the current state of television and media, along with some fun television and film trivia—so be ready to test your knowledge!
A Look Back at Television History
Following the presentation, we’ll watch one of the Paley Archive’s special programs, Great Television Moments: What We Watched, which takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of television and highlights some of the programs and moments that have become part of our shared cultural memory.
Remember the days of black and white TV? The media that brought westerns, mysteries, adventures and comedies; not to mention world news and sports to homes across the nation? That small screen that brought the world into your living rooms. Well, that programming has been saved and is on display for our eyes and ears to remember and re-experience.
Often referred to as a national treasure, the Paley Archive—The Paley Center for Media’s permanent collection—is an invaluable resource that began with 718 broadcast programs and has since evolved into a world-class media collection featuring over 160,000 television and radio programs and advertisements. The Paley Archive offers an extraordinary window into the history of entertainment, sports, and news capturing the moments that continue to shape us as a society.
Each UCLARA guest will have the opportunity to choose a program to watch on their own laptop from the Paley Archive’s extraordinary collection of more than 165,000 television and radio programs.
The collection spans virtually every era and genre of broadcasting—from beloved classics such as The Honeymooners, Your Show of Shows, and The Twilight Zone to more recent favorites including This Is Us, Hacks, and The Pitt.
Whether you want to revisit an old favorite, discover something you’ve never seen, or take a nostalgic trip back to a particular time in television history, there’s something for everyone in the Paley Archive.
Parking: 2 hours free in Beverly Hills lot #7 at 450 N. Rexford Drive, adjacent to the Beverly Hills Civic Center. (after 2 hours, cost is $1 per 30 minutes)
Registration: This event is open to UCLARA members and one guest only until October 14, 2026. Beginning Sunday November 1, 2026, this event will be open to both UCLARA and Emeriti members and guests (1 guest per registration). ALL registration closes on Thursday November 12, 2025.
Not a UCLA RA member? Join now to renew or enroll. https://www. retirees.ucla.edu
There NO cost for the tour; but tour size is very limited and registration is required. Kindly provide an emergency contact and their phone number for both registrants and any guests.
Cancellation: If, after registering for this event, you find that you cannot make it, kindly send me an email (address below) so we may fill your spot from the wait list. Last day to cancel is Tuesday November 3. 2025
Questions: Email Michael Heafey at heafeymj@gmail.com or call him at (310) 738-8134. Email preferred.
