Promoting and Preserving Costa Mesa History since 1966

Support Costa Mesa History

2026 Sponsorship Opportunities In 2026, the Costa Mesa Historical Society invites you to be part of two meaningful milestone events: our first-ever Mother’s Day Speakers Program and Brunch and our...
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Costa Mesa Celebrates 200: The Story Behind the Bicentennial Committee

As the nation marks its 250th birthday in 2026, Costa Mesa has its own story to tell about the last time America reached a milestone like this. Fifty years ago,...
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H. Ernie Nishii, President, Historic Wintersburg Conservancy on Japanese American history in Orange County, California

Fresh from a major statewide historic designation, the Costa Mesa Historical Society is honored to present H. Ernie Nishii, President of the Historic Wintersburg Conservancy, for a timely and important...
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Preserve Costa Mesa’s Story — Your Giving Season 2025 Gift Makes a Difference

For over 60 years, the Costa Mesa Historical Society has worked to protect the stories, photos, artifacts, and memories that define our city. Today, your support ensures that these treasures...
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The Stories That Built Our City, Costa Mesa

By Rick Neisser Back in 1978, Costa Mesa was celebrating the 25th anniversary of its incorporation. To mark the occasion, the City Council compiled a list of 45 people who...
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The Use of Adobe Bricks in the Early Southwest

Submitted by Mari Page Living in California most of us have seen structures of adobe built by the Spanish colonists and early settlers in some of our cities. Costa Mesa...
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Installing our new Mila walls for new museum displays

We couldn't have done it without all the help, it was a big job. Much thanks to Josh Berger of MBA Design & Display Products Corp.
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Help Shape Our Museum’s Future by Volunteering for one of four open roles!

Ready to step into local history? The Costa Mesa Historical Society is looking for community-minded volunteers to help preserve and share our city’s past. Whether you’re drawn to curating exhibits,...
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Learn about 5,000 years of history –from the first peoples to the City of the Arts – at our two museums in Costa Mesa.

Learn more about museums

Explore our vast collection of photographs, periodicals, maps, and more at the society’s museum and headquarters.

Explore historical resources

Discover the many ways you can do your part to preserve and promote Costa Mesa history.

Make your contribution

Learn about a wide variety of historical topics at our free talks throughout the year.

Learn more about upcoming talks 

Purchase books, memorabilia, and more at our online store.

Go shopping

Did you know that nearly one-fifth of Costa Mesa’s land area was once an important training center for our nation’s effort during World War II?

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