Manhattan Beach Historical Society and Museum
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Phone: (310) 374-7575 Click on picture to enlarge
Cottage Address: 1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, California 90266
Mailing Address: Post Office Box 3355, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
E-mail: infoAThistory90266.org or history90266ATyahoo.com
Website: http://history90266.org
President: Steve Meisenholder
Dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of the heritage of Manhattan Beach, the Manhattan Beach Historical Society collects and displays historical information and memorabilia about the city. The Society began as a committee in the early 1970s and incorporated as a non-profit, tax exempt organization on October 20, 1977. The Society is headquartered in the 1905 historic beach cottage located in Polliwog Park at 1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
The mission of the Manhattan Beach Historical Society (MBHS) is to honor the people who came before us by collecting, preserving, documenting, researching and displaying the city's rich history to insure that its significance will be appreciated for generations to come.
For maps to the historical society cottage
click here.MUSEUM HOURS, COLLECTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
The museum within the cottage is normally open 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (although it will be closed on December 22, 23, 29 and 30 due to the holidays). There is no admission charge to the museum, although contributions are encouraged and appreciated. The non-profit Society consists of all-volunteer help. Its main purpose is to educate citizens on the history of Manhattan Beach. The Society uses the following teaching tools: artifact and photo displays, books, videos, films, old newspaper articles, and recordings of history. The Society holds free monthly meetings with qualified speakers covering various subjects from our past and we have a monthly newsletter which members participate in by writing us. Several times a year, we have bus tours to historic sites. The Society has published two hard cover pictorial history books: Manhattan Beach 90266 and I'll Take Manhattan and a series of monographs and brochures, tracing the growth of the city. Free information flyers for the public, old memorabilia and knowledgeable docents are the teaching tools of the Society. Museum facilities include a bookstore, gift shop, picnic area and small theatre. The earliest display includes Gabrielino Indian artifacts with grinding stones and seashell beads (used for jewelry and money).
Although our operating expenses have risen, we have not raised our membership dues since the 1970s. There are very few historical societies that have membership dues of only $10 per year with activities such as ours. For an application to join the Manhattan Beach Historical Society, click here.
The MBHS is a member of the Conference of California Historical Societies, Associated Historical Societies of Los Angeles County, California Historical Society, and the Los Angeles Conservancy. For web links about California history, click here.
MONTHLY AND FIELD TRIP PROGRAMS
Our meetings are on the fourth Saturday of the month starting at 11:00 a.m. in the 1905 historic beach cottage located in Polliwog Park at 1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, California. The meetings are free and the public is invited. Step back in time with us and enjoy interesting and educational programs. Bring a friend!
Note new meeting time!
Saturday, July 26, 2008.
Steve Meisenholder will give a PowerPoint presentation entitled "History of Manhattan Beach from 1933 to 1958". Steve is a 40 year resident of Manhattan Beach and President of the MBHS.
Saturday, August 23, 2008.
No program or meeting in August.
Saturday, September 27, 2008.
Program to be announced.
