Sunday Speaker Series

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 Come Celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary of the Costa Mesa Fire Department with Captain Fred McDowell – 8.31.25
100 Year Anniversary of the Costa Mesa Fire Department - 8.31.25

Come Celebrate the 100 Year Anniversary of the Costa Mesa Fire Department with Captain Fred McDowell – 8.31.25

Captain Fred McDowell of the Costa Mesa Fire Department celebrates their100 years “Birthday Party". This event is FREE. There will be light refreshments served. CMFD 100 Year Anniversary Party 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Sun, Aug 31, 2025 Norma Hertzog Community Center CMHS 100 Year "Birthday Party" RSVP Link About our speaker, Costa Mesa Fire Captain Fred McDowell - Fred McDowell is originally from Santa Ana, CA. He began playing the trumpet at age seven and participated…

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Read more about the article CMHS presents Alicia T. Rojas – Artist, Author, Activist

CMHS presents Alicia T. Rojas – Artist, Author, Activist

Join us on Sunday, March 9th at 2:00 pm in the Norma Hertzog Community Center located at 1845 Park Ave., Costa Mesa 92627. This free event is open to the public and promises to be an enlightening afternoon for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. You can enjoy her mural titled "Poderosas" in Costa Mesa. It is located on Baker St. between College Ave. and Killybrooke St. Please RSVP by calling 949-631-5018 and leave name number of people in your party and a contact number or use the QR Code

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Paul-Waggoner-250112

Paul Waggoner from the Coastal Corridor Alliance will unveil the remarkable story of the Randall Preserve, formerly Banning Ranch

Paul Waggoner from the Coastal Corridor Alliance will unveil the remarkable story of the Randall Preserve, formerly Banning Ranch

Continue ReadingPaul Waggoner from the Coastal Corridor Alliance will unveil the remarkable story of the Randall Preserve, formerly Banning Ranch
Read more about the article Free Talk: Chris Lukather on Cinderella Homes

Free Talk: Chris Lukather on Cinderella Homes

Architecture fans are in for a treat. This February 23rd at 2 p.m., author Chris Lukather will talk about his new book, The Cinderella Homes of Jean Vandruff. Cinderella homes are a whimsical variation on traditional tract homes that turn suburban neighborhoods into storybook lands, complete with swooping gables, shake shingle roofs, and faux medieval designs. Never seen one? You don’t have to go far to find them. Costa Mesa has its own set of Cinderella homes…

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gary barnhill pilot pic 191117 gary barnhill

Hostile Skies – the F-105 in Vietnam with Gary Barnhill

In honor of Veterans Day, The Costa Mesa Historical Society presents its annual salute to our veterans with U.S. Air Force Captain Gary Barnhill on Sunday, November 17, 2019. Captain Gary Barnhill, illustrious Air Force pilot whose missions included hazardous and challenging F-105 missions over North Vietnam in the highest threat air environment of the entire Viet Nam War, will share his presentation “Downtown, everything is waiting for you” from Petula Clark’s 1964 hit song. “Downtown”  referred…

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Read more about the article Trailblazing Women of the Old West

Trailblazing Women of the Old West

The Costa Mesa Historical Society is pleased to announce that author Craig MacDonald will be our speaker on Sunday March 17, 2019 . as he presents his latest book, "Trailblazing Women in the Old West"! Craig will talk about some amazing women in the field of Mining, Conservation, Voting, Law Enforcement, Temperance and Crime. He'll also have available for autographing some of his award-winning books, including The California State Library's "Book of Week," "Old West Christmas-Tales with…

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