Museum Volunteer at our CMHS Museum or at our Diego Sepulveda Adobe

Diego Sepulveda Adobe - Museum Docent

The Diego Sepulveda Adobe is one of two history museums overseen by the Costa Mesa Historical Society. Built approximately 1820-1825 as a station of Mission San Juan Capistrano, this California Historical Landmark #227 later served as headquarters of Diego Sepulveda on the Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana. Located in Estancia Park at 1900 Adams Avenue in Costa Mesa, the adobe offers visitors a glimpse into early California rancho life.

We are seeking volunteer docents passionate about California history to lead visitors through museum exhibits and interpret this historic structure and its artifacts. Docents help visitors understand what life was like in our area during the rancho period, covering topics such as the adobe structure itself, its owners and residents, local history including the California missions, Native Americans, ranching, and the division of lands.

Docents receive comprehensive training, a detailed manual, and ongoing support. This is a one-year commitment with opportunities to renew. Training is provided for all aspects of the role, including building security procedures, tour techniques for different audiences (adults, school groups, scouts), and historical content.

What You'll Do:

• Lead engaging tours adapted to visitor interests and age groups
• Share the fascinating history of early California and Costa Mesa
• Handle visitor questions and provide research assistance
• Help maintain the museum and collections

Schedule: The Adobe is open to the public 12-4pm on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month. Volunteers typically serve once or twice monthly, with flexibility for scheduling around your availability.

To learn more about the Costa Mesa Historical Society and the Diego Sepulveda Adobe, visit https://www.costamesahistory.org/visit/adobe/

Two shifts available:

• 12:00 to 14:00 PST
• 14:00 to 16:00 PST

Downtown Museum - History Volunteer

The Costa Mesa Historical Society's downtown museum, located at 1870 Anaheim Street in Costa Mesa, is the heart of our preservation work. Since 1981, this facility has housed our extensive photo archives, historical collections, research library, and exhibits documenting Costa Mesa's transformation from agricultural community to thriving city.

We are seeking volunteers to help preserve and share local history through various meaningful projects. Whether you're interested in archival work, digital preservation, research assistance, exhibit development, or community outreach, there's a role that matches your interests and skills.

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Archives & Collections Work: Catalog historical photographs and documents in our PastPerfect database, organize archival materials, and help preserve Costa Mesa's 150-year history for future generations.

Digital Imaging & Preservation: Digitize photographs, maps, and documents using scanning equipment, creating high-quality digital copies that protect fragile originals while making history accessible online.

Research Assistance: Help visitors explore family histories, research historic properties, and discover connections to Costa Mesa's past through our photo collections, city directories, and oral history recordings.

Exhibits & Public Programs: Design and install museum exhibits, create interpretive materials, staff our booth at community events like the Lions Club Fish Fry, and manage social media content about local history.

Office & Administrative Support: Greet visitors, answer phones, process memberships, assist with mailings, and help keep the museum running smoothly during open hours.

What You'll Gain:

• Learn museum and archival skills from experienced volunteers
• Handle original historical materials spanning Costa Mesa's history
• Access our extensive research collections (30,000+ photos, directories, yearbooks, 1,500+ books)
• Connect with fellow history enthusiasts at monthly programs
• See your work make a lasting impact on the community

No experience necessary – just enthusiasm for preserving Costa Mesa's history. Training provided for all tasks. The museum is open Thursdays and Fridays, 10am-3pm. Most volunteers commit to one shift per week or a few hours per month, with flexibility always possible.

• To learn more about the Costa Mesa Historical Society, visit https://www.costamesahistory.org