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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 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 The Stories That Built Our City, Costa Mesa
Looking North on Newport Boulevard, Costa Mesa, California

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 had helped build the city and asked Costa Mesa Historical Society archivist Mary Ellen Goddard to interview them. Some were born here when it was still called Harper. Others came during the Depression, the war years, or the postwar boom. A few ran businesses that became Costa…

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Read more about the article The Use of Adobe Bricks in the Early Southwest
Picture showing the general process workers used to make the adobe bricks.

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 has one of these adobes, the Diego Sepulveda Adobe that is located in Estancia Park. Adobe did not originate with the Spanish settlers. It has long been used by man to build with. Archaeologist have found adobe mud blocks dating back to at least 8,000 BC in…

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Read more about the article Help Shape Our Museum’s Future by Volunteering for one of four open roles!

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, archiving documents, or helping visitors feel welcome, one of our four open roles might be a perfect fit. Interested? Reach out to Mary Ellen Goddard, Estelle Hughes, or Rick Neisser to learn more or get involved. You can start by becoming a member of the Costa Mesa…

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