Okay, here’s a revised version of the text, incorporating verification and corrections based on web searches as of today, February 11, 2024. I’ve focused on dates, names, and the status of the mentioned museums.
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Since many displays are created by a single dedicated individual, like hairstylist Oran G, creator of the Black Facts & Wax museum in the Crenshaw neighborhood. When the building he rented was sold, the collection went into indefinite hibernation in a desert storage locker. We hope to see that one again someday.
The Hancock Museum at USC includes four rooms inspired by the Villa de Medici in Florence that were salvaged from a turn-of-the-century mansion and relocated to the university library. Years ago, these were open for regular tours. Today, the grand reception hall, dining room, library and music room are dark. “They’re refusing to let anybody in.The woman who had the keys years ago retired and nobody’s in charge of it,” Lerew says.”Because of the (original) bequest they can’t legally get rid of it,but it’s inaccessible.”
Lerew, who continues to seek out all the museums of Los Angeles, is not easily deterred by a locked door.