The Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade began at the turn of the century. John Scarpa, an obscure Italian gondolier, and Joseph Beek, developer of Beacon Bay, the Balboa Ferry Line and the principal force in the early development of Balboa Island, arrived in the Newport Harbor area over 100 years ago. These two men established what was then called the Tournament of Lights, an event that would continue for the next century. Visit  our Fun Zone museum! We have cases filled with

The Newport Beach Historical Society thanks our Distinguished Speaker  Chris Epting for his amazing presentation. He   shared stories from his book Lost Landmarks of Orange County . Guests enjoyed insights into cultural landmarks that included Babe Ruth's Brea baseball game. Chris had a particular focus on Newport Beach's fascinating history. We appreciated the opportunity to ask questions about the Disneyland connection to Roger's Gardens gazebo.    Chris Epting  is a New Yo

The City of Newport Beach was incorporated on September 1, 1906 and the current City Charter was adopted in 1954. The City operates under a Council-Manager form of government. Its seven City Council Members are elected by district, but are voted on by the population as a whole. They serve four-year terms. The Council consists of the Mayor and six other members and is responsible for policy-making, passing local ordinances, adopting the budget, appointing committees and hiring

Visit our Fun Zone museum! We have cases filled with artifacts and new museum store merchandise. We are located at 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92661. We are open Thursdays - Sundays from 2pm–5pm . Guided tours are available upon request. For a guided tour, please email us at: info@newportbeachhistorical.org Look for historic markers  around the city. You will learn about your local history. Newport Beach has a proud history of boat building, from early wooden trawlers

Councilmember Michelle Barto, Mayor Joe Stapleton, Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Kleiman, Scott Holt, Susan Holt, Robyn Grant at the unveiling of the plaque honoring Duke Kahanamoku. Photo by Chris Trela Article published in Newport Beach Indy , By   Christopher Trela , September 23, 2025 Several years ago, Scott Holt – who grew up in Newport Beach – and his wife Susan were vacationing on Maui. He had just finished reading a book called “Waterman: The Life and Times of Duke Kahanamoku

Visit  our Fun Zone Museum!  We are located 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92661. We are open  Thursdays - Sundays  2pm–5pm . Guided...

As the foot of the Newport Beach pier, the Dory Fish Market has been a fixture in the community for more than a century, offering fresh...

What an unforgettable evening! The Newport Beach Historical Society celebrated our 1-Year Museum Anniversary in true tiki spirit with a...

Mayor Joe Stapleton is exhibiting a NBHS framed photo of the Balboa Pavilion with the Red Car in his office. President Bernie Svalstad,...

Americans sought adventure in tiki culture after WWII. Newport Beach, with its sunny coastline and growing leisure scene, became a mecca...

Newport Beach Historical Society  is highlighting the history of Donn Beach, AKA Don the Beachcomber , the enigmatic father of modern...

On July 1, 2026, the Balboa Pavilion marks 120 years since its grand opening. This is a milestone that cements its status as one of the...

Don Webb, Newport Beach’s “Centennial Mayor,” poses with a restored wooden city seal he helped install outside City Hall. (Courtesy of...

Download the Daily Pilot PDF article below. Around Town: Newport Beach Historical Society to host speaker Douglas Westfall Daily...

B y Jennifer Keil, M.A. in History + Founder of 70° W.S. Collins  about forty years old, circa 1904  William Steppe Collins (1863-1952), an entrepreneurial visionary, played a pivotal role in transforming Newport Beach's landscape in the early 20th century. In 1902, Collins acquired extensive portions of Newport, including the sandbars destined to become Balboa Island from James McFadden, a railroad and shipping tycoon. By 1906, he had embarked on an ambitious project to dred

Written by Jennifer Keil , M.A. in History, 70 Degrees Founder Red Car at Balboa Pavilion, circa 1906. Newport Beach summer visitors grew steadily after the Pacific Electric Railway connected the city to Los Angeles on July 4th, 1906. 2026 will mark the 120th anniversary of the Red Car and Pavilion. The Red Car made it accessible for Angelenos to stay in small beach cottages, cabanas, and the Balboa Hotel. The Newport Pier, originally McFadden Wharf, became a popular hub of

The Newport Beach Historical Society  had a dinner lecture with Bill Lobdell on March 24, 2025 at the Balboa Pavilion. The presentation...

Bernie Svalstad, center, president of the Newport Beach Historical Society, is joined by NBHS board members and other officials for a...

by Peg Haapa, 2004-06-28 1904 Survey Map of Corona del Mar (Photo Credit: Sherman Library) Courtesy of Sherman Library and Gardens. I...

While helping NBHS achieve its mission of preserving and celebrating our City’s vibrant history, the museum comes with costs (e.g.,...