History and Events Blog

Diego Sepulveda Adobe Reopening

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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 Adobe. Cultural Anthropologist Stephen O’Neil spoke on local history. Then guests were treated to refreshments provided by Grocery Outlet. There were several crafts for the children. The group Sweetwater Creek played some bluegrass to the delight of all.

Special guests for the day were Lynn and Vicki Alcala whose family were the last to live in the Adobe. They are the living history of Costa Mesa, and we were so pleased to have them join us.

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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 the heavens to get a new perspective of the universe and our place in it. Take a journey through time, from the most ancient astrologers, to the future of manned exploration of the solar system, and see how our view of the cosmos has grown and evolved.

Planetarium Director, Scott Mitchell, will open the program and guide us through the wonders of the sky above us.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, August 13th

Time: 1:30 (please plan to arrive no later than this time, as no one will be allowed to enter after)

Where: Orange Coast College Planetarium (Parking is located in the E lot off of Merrimac Way)

 

You can purchase tickets here.

OR

You can call the Historical Society at (949) 631-5918 to reserve tickets. Please leave your name, phone number, and quantity of tickets you wish to reserve. You can pick up and pay for tickets at the Historical Society the Thursday or Friday before the event.

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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 that have historic significance but have not yet been officially recognized.
  • Not included at this time are places that are listed on local historic registers.
  • The map indicates if a site is open to the public. If it is not, it may be viewed from the public right-of-way only.”

Phase 2 of the map, with more sites added, is due to launch this year.

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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 to pick up their prizes and to learn a bit about the city they call home.

Congrats to Abigail, Mira, and Scarlett!

1st Place
1st Place
2nd Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
3rd Place
1st place winner Abigail with her family
1st place winner Abigail with her family
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Costa Mesa Small Business Appreciation Spotlight the Iconic ” El Matador ” – VIDEO

El Matador restaurant opened its door 56 years ago. The building was constructed in 1923, and is one of the most historic commercial storefronts in the city. Our friend Renee Pina takes us on a tour of this iconic restaurant.

Continue ReadingCosta Mesa Small Business Appreciation Spotlight the Iconic ” El Matador ” – VIDEO

Peggy Gardner Display

 

We have a new display at the museum! Peggy Gardner was a long-time friend of the Historical Society and a wonderful artist. To highlight Peggy’s talent and honor her legacy, we’ve set up a display at the entry of the museum containing just a few of the many beautiful pieces that Peggy created.

These limited edition pieces will be for sale, and all proceeds will go to the museum. As of now, the pieces are only for sale on-site, but keep an eye out in the coming weeks, as we work to upload them to our online shop.

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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 for the young-ins, so be sure to stop by and say hello!

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