History and Events Blog

Read more about the article Support Costa Mesa History
Mother's Day 2026 - Costa Mesa Historical Society

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 60th Anniversary Celebration. These gatherings are more than events. They are an opportunity to bring our community together, honor the people and places that shaped Costa Mesa, and ensure these stories continue to be preserved and shared for future generations. Why Sponsor Associate your name or business…

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Read more about the article Costa Mesa Celebrates 200: The Story Behind the Bicentennial Committee
Girl Scout Troop 1415 poses after presenting their proposal to paint the city’s fire hydrants red, white and blue.

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, as the country prepared to turn 200, this community didn't simply celebrate — it organized, it innovated, and it inspired a generation of young people to engage with their history in ways that left a lasting mark. The photos and memories that follow are a reminder of…

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Read more about the article Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Costa Mesa Historical Society – May 10th, 2026
Greer Wilder - 5.10.26

Celebrate Mother’s Day with the Costa Mesa Historical Society – May 10th, 2026

Born in OC - Artists, Entrepreneurs and Visionaries - Greer Wilder Join us for a special Speakers Program and Brunch featuring Costa Mesa's own Greer Wylder, journalist, founder of Greer’s OC, and author of Born in OC: The Artists, Entrepreneurs, and Visionaries of Orange County, California, a book highlighting influential Orange County natives and creatives. This event is perfect for honoring mothers, grandmothers, and the influential women in our lives. Share this special afternoon with us and…

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Read more about the article Segerstrom Center for the Arts Tour – 4.19.26
Segerstrom Center for the Arts Tour - 4.19.26

Segerstrom Center for the Arts Tour – 4.19.26

Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 pmMembers Only Event Join the Costa Mesa Historical Society for a special docent-led tour of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, one of Orange County’s most celebrated cultural landmarks and a defining institution in Costa Mesa’s artistic legacy. Guided by knowledgeable Segerstrom Center docents, this exclusive behind-the-scenes experience offers rare insight into the history, architecture, and vision that shaped this world-class performing arts campus. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for…

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Read more about the article H. Ernie Nishii, President, Historic Wintersburg Conservancy on Japanese American history in Orange County, California
Henry Ernie Nishii, President, Historic Wintersburg Conservancy

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 speakers program. On January 2, 2026, Historic Wintersburg was officially listed on the California Register of Historical Resources, recognizing it as one of the most significant surviving sites associated with Japanese American history in Orange County. This rare designation affirms decades of community advocacy and places Historic…

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Read more about the article Preserve Costa Mesa’s Story — Your Giving Season 2025 Gift Makes a Difference
Mikelle Fish - President, CMHS

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 remain alive for future generations. ***NOTE: this Giving Season event goes through December 31st, 2025! Why Your Gift Matters: Digitize fragile photographs, maps, and newspapers Upgrade archival tools and technology (video camera, audio recorder, still camera for events) Maintain exhibits and preserve irreplaceable artifacts Support volunteer programs…

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Read more about the article Kick Off the Costa Mesa Historical Society’s 60th Anniversary!
Gustavo Arellano, author of Orange County: A People’s Guide

Kick Off the Costa Mesa Historical Society’s 60th Anniversary!

Speakers Program & 2026 Board Installation Sunday, January 11, 2026 – 2:00- 4:00PM Norma Hertzog Community Center, Costa Mesa Celebrate the start of a milestone year! The Costa Mesa Historical Society is turning 60, and there has never been a more exciting time to be a member of the one and only society that matters in Costa Mesa. Join us as we kick off this landmark anniversary with a special edition of our Speakers Program and the…

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Read more about the article Walking Tour with Council Member Arlis Reynolds – December 14
Segerstrom Center Walking Tour, Costa Mesa, California

Walking Tour with Council Member Arlis Reynolds – December 14

Experience the art and architecture of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on a special outdoor walking tour led by two Center Docents from the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, alongside Council Member Arlis Reynolds. The Tour has been filled! If you want to be on Stand by List, please fill out the form! The tour begins on the south side of Segerstrom Center for the Arts Plaza overlooking the fountain, continues through the serene Noguchi Garden,…

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Read more about the article Costa Mesa Historical Society is proud to partner with the Newport Beach Film Festival 2025
Costa Mesa Historical Society is proud to partner with the Newport Beach Film Festival

Costa Mesa Historical Society is proud to partner with the Newport Beach Film Festival 2025

Exciting news! The Costa Mesa Historical Society is proud to partner with the Newport Beach Film Festival for its 26th Anniversary Celebration — happening October 16–23, 2025! Join us in supporting the inspiring film “Dickens of Christmas” Directed by Gillian McKercher — a heartwarming story of creativity, community, and the spirit of the season. Get Your Tickets: Tap the link in our bio to choose your day, date & theatre — and use code CMHS25 for a…

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🗳️ Costa Mesa Historical Society Board Elections – 2025

🗳️ Costa Mesa Historical Society Board Elections – 2025 It’s election season at the Costa Mesa Historical Society! We invite members to help guide our mission of preserving and celebrating Costa Mesa’s rich history. 🔹 Open Board Positions 1st Vice President (Programs): Open 2nd Vice President (Membership): Open Secretary: Mari E. Page – Candidate Treasurer: Harla Wood – Candidate Director, Archives: Mary Ellen Goddard – Candidate Director, Adobe: Cindy Humphries – Candidate Director, SAAAB: Bob Palazzola –…

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