10 Minutes History Talks
Balboa Island Museum would like to introduce our new series of 10 Minute History Talks. This video covers an intro to “Two Years Before the Mast” and sailing vocabulary!
Celeste highlights Bill Stewart’s whaling crafts collection and whaling off the coast of Southern California.
Celeste highlights the arrival of Samuel Dunnells in Newport Bay!
Celeste highlights the early life of James Irvine I.
Celeste highlights the accomplishments of a Navigator, Explorer, and Conquistador.
Wow! What an impressive Shirley Temple Exhibit! Thanks
Annette B.
Was wonderful. We didn't even know this was here. Way to go keeping the history alive
Azi & Ali E.
Lovely exhibits, especially of the Duke!
Finneran Family
Loved all the interactive experiences!
Bri W.
Very interesting exhibits, we've been visiting for 50 years!
Chris T.
Lovely, nostalgic, look at Balboa Island! Thank you!
Dawn A. & Patrick D.
Fabulous displays of yesteryears- incredible
Audrey B.
Spectacular job of artistry, professional presentation, bravo!
Barbra and Dan A.
John Wayne FOREVER ! We miss you, Duke !
Bob M.
Beautiful Museum- wonderful displays enjoy all the history - photos and info- thank you!
Joe and Dawn A.
Fantastic!! We will be back and bringing people with us! Such a rich history.
Robert and Michelle S.
Fabulous museum! brings back fond memories.
Paulette N.
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Balboa Island has long been one of the most popular destinations for Orange County residents and visitors, alike. Now, since the grand opening of the New Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society on November 30, 2018, locals and tourists can experience Balboa as never before, with an entertaining and in-depth look at the rich and storied history of this beloved island.
Originally founded in 2000 in a much smaller space a few blocks away, The Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society – now located in a historic building at 210 Marine Avenue – has nearly tripled in size. The new facility allows for expanded exhibits, new collections and other amenities, including a children’s interactive zone and space for community gatherings and events.
The Museum’s new home, at 210 Marine Ave., was first developed in 1927 as “Richardson’s Yacht Club Garage,” for boat repair and boat storage. Throughout its years, the building has housed a temporary fire department (1927-31), the lab for California Vitamins, Inc. (AKA: Nutrilite, 1937-1939), a series of locally owned hardware stores (1942-1979), the famous Original Balboa Beach Company (1984-1998) and the beloved Art for the Soul (1998-2018).
OUR Mission and Vision Statement
Mission:
To collect, preserve and promote the culture and history of Balboa Island and Newport Beach.
Vision:
Inspiring our community. A place to gather. Celebrating our heritage.
Board of Directors
Shirley Pepys
David Beek
Dennis Bress
Jo Ellen Heck
Bernadette Peterson
Barbara Abbott
Paula Castanon
Tony Guanci
Sue Sibley
Julie Siebel
Brenda St. Hilaire
Don Abrams
Jack Callahan
Keith Curry
Connor Harvey
Wing Lam
Renee Lowe
Steve Neimeister
John Scudder
Bill Stewart
Peter Weitzner
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