Westminster Historical Society & Museum

06/16/2026

Did you miss our June Open House? Don’t worry — our next Open House at the Westminster Historical Society & Museum is coming up on July 5th!
We’ll also have some special programming planned, so stay tuned for more details. We hope to see you at the museum soon!

06/12/2026

What a special afternoon at our annual Ice Cream Social!
We were honored to receive recognition for the dedicated volunteers of the Westminster Historical Society.
Guests also enjoyed Leo’s poem.
We look forward to many more moments together at the museum.

06/11/2026

What a lovely afternoon celebrating community, history, and friendship at the Westminster Historical Society Ice Cream Social!
We were especially honored to receive a check from the Barber City Women’s Club for a lifetime membership. Thank you for your longstanding support of preserving Westminster’s history for future generations.
Guests also had the opportunity to visit the Joy L. Neugebauer Sundial and reflect on Joy’s lasting contributions as a dedicated member of the Barber City Women’s Club and our community. Thank you to Carol, Risa, Loreen, and Nadine for joining us for this special day!

Westminster Historical Society Ice Cream Social June 7 Carol, Risa, Loreen and Nadine enjoyed the ice cream social on June 7, 2026. Barber City Women's Club presented a check for a lifetime membership. We were able to see the Joy L. Neugebauer Sundial. She was a long standing member of Barber City Women's Club also.

06/08/2026

We are deeply grateful for this recognition and proud to celebrate the incredible volunteers who help keep Westminster’s history alive.
From preserving artifacts and caring for our historic buildings to hosting community events and welcoming visitors to the museum, our volunteers ensure these stories continue to be shared for generations to come.
Thank you for supporting the Westminster Historical Society & Museum and for valuing the importance of local history in our community!

It was my honor to recognize the dedicated volunteers of the Westminster Historical Society. Through their hard work and commitment, Westminster’s rich history is preserved and shared with future generations, ensuring our community’s story continues to be told. Westminster Historical Society & Museum

06/04/2026

Reminder: our Annual Ice Cream Social is this Sunday, June 7th! We invite you to enjoy ice cream and explore the historical buildings and exhibits.
Sunday, June 7, 2026
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Museum Building
8612 Westminster Boulevard
Westminster, CA

06/02/2026

Our recent newsletter featured one of the most important local histories documenting Westminster’s Mexican American community, Tracks to the Westminster Barrio: 1902–1960s by Albert Vargas Vela. It offers a deeply researched and personal look at the people, families, and movements that shaped our city.

Published in 2017, the book traces the growth of the community following the 1910 Mexican Revolution and highlights everyday life, resilience, and cultural traditions in Westminster’s historic barrio.

A photo featured here is from the 2018 newspaper clipping about Albert Vargas Vela.

Vela captures the spirit of community life through stories of neighborhood gatherings, local businesses, and beloved softball teams such as Los Toreros and Los Eagles at Sigler Park after World War II.

Tracks to the Westminster Barrio is an important contribution to preserving Westminster’s history and honoring the generations whose stories helped shape our community.
https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/tracks-to-the-westminster-barrio-1902-1960s_albert-vargas-vela/25841310/?srsltid=AfmBOooGfWYyu6lVFGn8VyeiOtsRr9hkNRaahcNQzwu8aU_gvTw1GrE5 =66525987&idiq=63646026

05/31/2026

The barn is shining a little brighter these days ✨ We can’t get over our beautiful new roof — and just look at that shine! A meaningful improvement helping preserve this historic space for years to come.

05/26/2026

Our Annual Ice Cream Social is coming up on June 7th! Join us for ice cream, treats, community, and a poetry reading by our very own Leo Lefebvre as we welcome and honor our annual and life members. We look forward to seeing you!

Sunday, June 7, 2026
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Museum Building
8612 Westminster Boulevard
Westminster, CA

05/19/2026

We have had so much fun sharing photos from our Tea, Fashion Show, & Fundraiser.

If you’d like to see even more moments from the day, revisit the event, or explore the history behind the fashions featured in the show, click the link below to view our full photo gallery and learn more about the pieces highlighted throughout the afternoon.
Thank you again to everyone who joined us and helped make the event so special.

https://westminsterhistoricalsociety.com/category/updates/

05/15/2026

Step back in time at the historic McCoy-Hare House! Built in 1873–74 by Dr. James McCoy as Westminster's very first Colony Drugstore, this charming little white cottage is one of Orange County's true treasures — designated Historical Landmark number 8. Right next to the McCoy-Hare House is our 1904 windmill. Come visit on the first Sunday of each month from 1 to 4 pm.