A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT

The Newport Beach Historical Society (NBHS) was formed in November of 1967. The first officers and board of directors of the Newport Beach Historical Society are listed below:

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Officers: President – Mr. Les Staffensen, Vice President – Mrs. William Ritter, Secretary – Mrs. Warren Messing
Treasurer – Mr. Jim Rubel, Membership – Mr. Bill Grundy.

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Board of Directors: Mr. Jack Barnett, Mrs. Joseph Beek, Mrs. Don Douglas, Mr. Joseph Hamblet, Mrs. Henry Humann, Mrs. Harvey Pease, Mr. Theodore Robbins, Sr., Mrs. McSheely.

 

In 1971, Bill Grundy was elected president. He worked with an active group of members to preserve the history of Newport Beach. Historical markers that have been placed throughout the city and informative dinner lectures have provided a platform for descendants and interested parties to appreciate our rich heritage.

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The first two priorities for NBHS are: 1) to preserve the living past of Newport Beach and 2) to establish a repository of historical documents, photographs, films, and memorabilia. We must develop an advanced system to catalogue and preserve these materials. To achieve the goal of establishing a repository of historical documents, we have a 501c3 designation for NBHS so that all donations are tax deductible.

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For the first time in our 51-year history, in 2017, a temporary small museum space was donated and has been located at the Balboa Peninsula Library. The City of Newport Beach is rebuilding that Library and Fire Station, which warranted our organization to find a new location. On June 28, 2024, we cut the ribbon to signify the opening of our newest location at The Fun Zone across from the Ferris wheel. All staff members are volunteers. We are asking the citizens of Newport Beach, and other interested parties to assist us with this endeavor. We continue to seek a permanent location for our historical collection and offices. We are looking for a possible donor(s) to provide this space.

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The history of Newport Beach is dynamic. Our internationally known city has been a vital crossroad in so many fields; aerospace, politics, Hollywood, sports and business. We have much for which to be proud and many great stories to tell.We honor and respect our city’s tremendous past. And we are dedicated to recording the present, as it reflects the past for future generations. Our rich heritage springs from a variety of generations of talented people and their and our city’s achievements. We invite you to join us and help preserve and promote our wonderful city and its people.

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Bernie Svalstad

President

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