Open: Daily 10-5
Visitors this Year:
Events
Gallery Open HouseThu, Mar 19Balboa Island Museum
Hollywood Comes to Newport BeachThu, Mar 26Balboa Island Museum
“BALBOA ISLAND MUSEUM TRANSFORMS INTO OC CULTURAL HUB”
Orange County Business Journal, February 3, 2025
Address: 210 B Marine Ave. Ste. B, Balboa Island, CA 92662
Phone: 949-675-3952
Email: info@balboaislandmuseum.org
Website: www.balboaislandmuseum.org
Facebook: facebook.com/BIMHS
Instagram: @bimhs
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCOq1ZL_j46XUYEOHBHP68yg
Founder and Chair: Shirley Pepys
Founder: Jack Northrup
Executive Director: Tiffany Pepys Hoey
Senior Consultants: Bruce Cook
President of the Board: John Conners
Year Established: 2000
MISSION STATEMENT
To collect, preserve and promote the culture and history of Balboa Island, Newport Beach, and Orange County.
VISION
Inspiring our community. A place to gather. Celebrating our heritage. Embracing our future.
FAST FACTS
• Recognized by the Los Angeles Times 2022-2025 as the “Best Museum in Orange County.”
• 100% privately funded. All donations support the Balboa Island Museum’s operations.
• Over the past 5 years more than 450,000 visitors have experienced the museum free of charge.
• City of Newport Beach and County of Orange officials support museum community outreach through grants.
• Family museum with activities for adults and children.
• Museum gift shop features exclusive gifts and supports the museum.
GOALS FOR 2026
• Preserve the 100-year-old building and make it the permanent home of the museum.
• Secure long-term operational funding through 2030 (and beyond).
• Provide the public with continued free access to museum exhibits, programs, and public events fostering education, communication, and community values.
• Continue to develop our brand.
• Create a place to showcase our shared legacy.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS FOR 2026
• Annual fundraising event at the home of Bob Olson.
• Annual Ferry Party on Newport Harbor.
• Monthly speaker events.
• Quarterly museum dinners themed with guest chefs for members/guests.
• Museum membership/annual drives.
• Major underwriting from philanthropic sponsors.
• Memorial Day BBQ and Veterans Day BBQ for local veterans.
• Black and White Party, Fall 2026.
• Screenings of the museum’s films, e.g., Newport & Me: Seymour Beek, and Sin City.
EXHIBITS
• The Wyland Foundation exhibit in the Gallery.
• 130-foot exhibit at John Wayne Airport.
• Gallery exhibit at the Newport Beach Main Library.
• The history of the Beek family, including Joe (developer of Balboa Island) and Seymour (Balboa Island Ferry).
• AirCal (Air California) owned by Orange County businessmen, George Argyros and General William Lyon.
• John Wayne, actor and resident of Newport Beach.
EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITES
• Veterans ceremonies and social events.
• Balboa Island community projects.
• Volunteer appreciation dinners.
• Building, gallery, and exhibition naming rights.
• Education through local elementary, high school, and homeschool field trips to the museum.
• Art instruction and museum classes.
• Holiday events.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2025-2026
Founder
Shirley Pepys: Founder and Chair
President
John Conners: Managing Director, Goldman Sachs
Vice President
Cynthia Shafer: General Manager, Royal Hen Restaurant
Past President
Paula Castanon: Founder, All Ear Doctors
Secretary
Jo Ellen Heck: Advisory Council, Medfield Historical Society
Treasurer
Dr. Lorraine Leavitt: Associate Professor, National University
Barbara Abbott: Artist and Community Philanthropist
Don Abrams: Broker/Owner Abrams Coastal Properties
David Beek: General Manager, Island Marine Fuel
Dennis Bress President & CEO, IEEI Broadcast
Clint Burns: CEO & Co-founder – Nextup
Keith Curry: Former Mayor Newport Beach
Renee Pepys Lowe: Marketing/Entrepreneur
Sue Sibley: Community Philanthropist
John Wayne, one of the most popular exhibits.
LEGACY GIVING
Planned Giving, also known as Legacy Gifts, offers a noteworthy expression of commitment to the community. A legacy gift allows one to donate charitable gifts to the Balboa Island Museum Newport Beach at the present time, or include a bequest in a will or trust, while enjoying tax and financial benefits. To learn more about Planned Giving, please contact Tiffany at (949) 675-3952 or Tiffany@balboaislandmuseum.org.
Cynthia Shafer, Shirley Pepys, and Bob Olson.
Son of Bob Olson and friends.
Barbara Abbott, artist, at mural installation.
Great information, lovely books & friendly volunteers! We will visit again :) Thanks for sharing Balboa with us.
Azi & Ali E.
Our Services
Welcome to the Balboa Island Museum Shop
Plan Your Visit
The Balboa Island Museum pays homage to the island so many of us know, love and call home – and a place that continues to capture the imaginations and hearts of visitors the world over.
Hours of Operation: Daily: 10:00 AM – 5:00PM
Closed: New Years Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, 4th of July
Admission: Free general admission on all days. We gladly accept cash donations!
Ask about our Scavenger Hunt!
Parking: Two hour parking is available on Marine Ave. You can park in the surrounding neighborhood for an extended day.
Location: 210 B Marine Ave. Balboa Island, CA 92662
Contact: 949.675.3952 or info@balboaislandmuseum.org