COSTA MESA HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The Costa Mesa Historical Society was formed in 1966 as a support group for the newly restored Diego Sepulveda Adobe. The stated purpose of the new organization was "to promote and preserve the natural, civil, literal and ecclesiastical history of the Harbor area in general and the City of Costa Mesa in particular." Society members collected period furnishings for the Adobe and served as tour guides. Soon other projects were added -- collecting historical photographs, presenting speakers on local history topics, establishing a library and archives for collected books, maps and personal papers. In 1979 the Society organized a SAAAB Wing to include those who played a part in the activities of the Santa Ana Army Air Base during World War II.

Today, the Society holds a collection of 70,000 items ranging in age from pre-historic times through current times. The collection is in the process of being catalogued in a computer database. Monthly meetings are held featuring speakers on topics of interest. Society docents lead tours of our Museum and the Diego Sepulveda Adobe. Our library and archive materials are available to researchers, local organizations and people curious about any aspect of local history. The Society collaborates with local government and other groups to produce children’s and other historical books and pamphlets. And fine art prints of our historic photographs adorn area homes, offices and retail businesses.

The Costa Mesa Historical Society is an all-volunteer group incorporated in the State of California as a non-profit organization having 501(c)3 status.