Dana Point is the world headquarters for whale and dolphin watching. The city celebrates gray whales and other marine wildlife during the annual Festival of Whales in March. The Maritime Festival is held every September with visiting tall ship vessels from throughout California. The Ocean Institute offers an incredible opportunity to join a chartered cruises… Read More Ocean Institute Whale & Dolphin Watching
This month’s Field Notes is dedicated to one of our favorite libraries in the Orange County. The Sherman Library and Gardens. It is an incredible 2.2 acres community in the heart of Corona del Mar. Explore the site over a lunch at the 608 Dahlia restaurant. Shop at the gift store which supports the 501c3… Read More Field Notes | February 2025
A place for the public to gather, learn and celebrate veterans Heroes Hall is a free, year-round museum and education center. It is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Orange County veterans and all who have served our nation. Heroes Hall brings their stories to life through dynamic exhibitions and educational programs such as the… Read More Heros Hall Museum
Founded in 1966 by businessman Arnold Haskell, and named after his mentor, Moses H. Sherman, this cultural center includes a historical research library, botanical garden, and art collection. For decades, Sherman Library & Gardens has been a source of beauty and education. It is California Historical Site No. 58 which was dedicated by the Orange… Read More Sherman Library & Gardens
The Surfing Heritage and Culture Center (SHACC) in San Clemente is where legends gather. They have a vast collection of boards that start from the inception of the sport. Stroll on by for a docent led tour at 110 Calle Iglesia, San Clemente, CA 92672. Call ahead at (949) 388-0313 to schedule your museum tour… Read More Surfing Heritage and Culture Center
As we step into a brand-new year, we’re excited to celebrate the timeless history and heritage. Whether you’re preserving historic landmarks, curating exhibits that bring the past to life, or simply cherishing the stories that connect us to our roots, 2025 is a year to honor the importance of our shared past. We’re grateful for… Read More Field Notes | January 2025
From the Archives 📁 These photographs have been digitized and archived in our family’s collection. Have you started archiving your family’s history? Consider purchasing a Family Archives Preservation Kit. The History Hub is managed by the National Archives. It is for researchers, citizen historians, and archival professionals. 70 Degrees provides resources to you as you… Read More December 2024
On November 1, 1776, Saint Junipero Serra re-founded Mission San Juan Capistrano for All Saints’ Day. It became the seventh of twenty-one missions to be founded in Alta California. Learn more about SJC’s vibrant history. Learn More Artist of the Month “To me the sea is a continual miracle; The fishes that swim—the rocks—the motion… Read More November 2024
Katie Wheeler Library, Irvine, CA The Irvine Ranch grew Valencia oranges prior to our county’s incorporation. It was a leader in dry farming and livestock. The rangelands were reminiscent of the hills of Ireland where James Irvine lived and left in 1846 when he was nineteen years old.
Cattle on Irvine Ranch, 1900. The Irvine Ranch grew Valencia oranges and was a leader in dry farming and livestock. The rangelands were reminiscent of the following hills of Ireland where James Irvine left in 1846 at nineteen years old. According to the Irvine Historical Society, James took a one-hundred-one-day journey and ate hard beans,… Read More Irvine
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