Historic Places

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 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 2025 Calenders Available
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2025 Calenders Available

Come on down to the museum and pick up the Historic Homes of Costa Mesa 2025 Calendar. Available now for a $10.00 donation.  We are open Thursdays and Fridays 10:00 am - 3:00pm. 100% of the proceeds go to the Costa Mesa Historical Society courtesy of Renee Pina. This year marks the fourth year Renee has created the calendars featuring historic homes in Costa Mesa. We celebrate her efforts and appreciate her unwavering support of the Society.…

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Read more about the article January Event: The LAB and Other Unique Places created by Linda Sadeghi

January Event: The LAB and Other Unique Places created by Linda Sadeghi

The LAB stands for “Little American Business” and that’s exactly who Linda Sadeghi strives to support. The LAB began its journey to combat retail monotony in 1993 when it was recycled from a night-vision goggle factory located in Costa Mesa by The LAB Team, with Linda Sadeghi as the current steward. As owner/operator/designer, Linda is celebrating The LAB’s 30 years as a successful retail, restaurant, art, and entertainment venue for the “young at heart”. At the core…

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Read more about the article 3rd Annual Historic Homes Calendar 2024

3rd Annual Historic Homes Calendar 2024

Renee Pina has produced another Historic Homes calendar, this time featuring some of the city's most historic properties. In fact, most of the properties are eligible for the city's historic register. Each month features an image of the property as well as a little history from its owners, making it a community-driven project. Help us to raise awareness about the value of these homes to Costa Mesa and that they are vital to protecting the charm and…

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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 Interactive Map Featuring Orange County Historic Sites

Interactive Map Featuring Orange County Historic Sites

Last year, Preserve Orange County launched an interactive map featuring historic sites throughout the county. From their website: "What's on the map? The map includes all sites that are designated historic at county, state and national levels, under these programs: National Register of Historic Places National Historic Landmarks California Register of Historical Resources California Historical Landmarks California Points of Historical Interest Orange County Historic Sites Orange County Historical Site Plaques It also includes undesignated sites -- places…

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