Public Events

Read more about the article U.S. Naval Academy Graduate Andrea Marr to Speak at our November 20th Event

U.S. Naval Academy Graduate Andrea Marr to Speak at our November 20th Event

After completing qualifications as a nuclear engineer, Andrea served aboard the U.S. Nimitz and led a division of 20 nuclear-trained machinist mates for two years. Join us to hear about her fascinating naval career and how her professional life has benefitted from Admiral Hyman Rickover’s (considered the Father of the Nuclear Navy) unique approach to leadership. Reception is at 2:00 pm at the museum building, 1870 Anaheim Avenue, Costa Mesa. The program begins at 2:30 pm. Andrea…

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Diego Sepulveda Adobe Reopening

The grand reopening of the Diego Sepulveda on October 1st also celebrated this historic structure's 200th birthday. Mayor John Stephens and Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley spoke a few words and each presented the Historical Society's president Barbra Steck with framed certificates honoring the occasion. Head Docent Cindy Humphreys gave special recognition to Jason Minter and Daniel Jojola of the City of Costa Mesa and Mark Sauer of Sauer Construction for their dedicated efforts in renovating the…

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Read more about the article OCC Planetarium Event

OCC Planetarium Event

We have a very exciting event coming up on August 13th! We've connected with the Orange Coast College Planetarium to give our Historical Society members their very own exclusive showing. The sky has been an object of fascination for as long as humans have walked the earth. The movements of the spheres are ingrained in every culture on earth and have created mythologies, superstitions, and legends many people still recognize. Today, we turn our scientific tools toward…

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Read more about the article Fish Fry Coloring Contest Winners
1st place winner Abigail with her family

Fish Fry Coloring Contest Winners

For the 75th Annual Fish Fry, the Costa Mesa Historical Society hosted a children's coloring contest to reach out and hopefully spark an interest in local history. We received over 100 entries! While we had originally only planned on a single winner, we were blown away by the creativity and number of entries we received, so we decided to add a second and third place as well. Our three winners came by the Historical Society Museum today…

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Read more about the article 2022 Fish Fry and Carnival

2022 Fish Fry and Carnival

The 75th Annual Fish Fry is back at its original location in Lions Park! The Fish Fry will take place June 3 - 5. Admission is free. Fish dinners are $15, and tickets for carnival rides are currently on sale for a discounted price. Get your ride tickets here. The Costa Mesa Historical Society will have a booth for all three days and we'll be selling books, postcards, and other goods! We also have something fun planned…

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Read more about the article Community Bike Ride to Celebrate Women’s History Month

Community Bike Ride to Celebrate Women’s History Month

This Sunday March 27, Council Member Arlis Reynolds will be hosting a community bike ride to celebrate Women's History Month. The 8-mile ride will highlight women-owned businesses throughout the city, and will start and finish at the Costa Mesa Historical Society! For more information, please contact arlis.reynolds@costamesaca.gov

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Read more about the article Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII

Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII

From the OC Fair & Event Center: "On display Feb. 16 through Sept. 18, 2022 On Feb. 16, 2022, Heroes Hall Museum will open a new special exhibit called Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in World War II. Produced by The National WWII Museum, the exhibit features artifacts, photographs and oral histories to highlight some of the extraordinary achievements and challenges of African Americans during World War II, both overseas and on the Home…

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Read more about the article Free Talk: Chris Lukather on Cinderella Homes

Free Talk: Chris Lukather on Cinderella Homes

Architecture fans are in for a treat. This February 23rd at 2 p.m., author Chris Lukather will talk about his new book, The Cinderella Homes of Jean Vandruff. Cinderella homes are a whimsical variation on traditional tract homes that turn suburban neighborhoods into storybook lands, complete with swooping gables, shake shingle roofs, and faux medieval designs. Never seen one? You don’t have to go far to find them. Costa Mesa has its own set of Cinderella homes…

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Read more about the article Spanish Patriots during the American Revolution – Installation Dinner 2020
Bernardo de Gálvez at the Siege of Pensacola by Augusto Ferrer-Dalmau. Image courtesy wikimedia.

Spanish Patriots during the American Revolution – Installation Dinner 2020

Join us for one of our most popular events of the year: the 2020 installation dinner! This year, guest speaker Letty Rodella, President of the Society of Hispanic, Historical and Ancestral Research, will discuss an under-studied part of our nation’s history, “Spanish Patriots during the American Revolution.”

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