October Marine Committee – Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Marine Committee meets once a month to provide information and education on all  topics that are “marine oriented”. The meetings are open to the public and will be held at 5:30 pm the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Marina Park located on Newport Harbor in Newport Beach.

Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Marine Committee
October 2, 2018 – 5:30 pm

Balboa Island Museum
with

Shirley Pepys
President
Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society

Balboa Island, Newport Beach, with all its allure and charm, has been a favorite location for locals and visitors alike. The Balboa Island Museum provides insights into the local culture of this magical area. Visitors are fascinated by the display of memorabilia, including classic photographs that depict the Island’s captivating history. From the landmark Pavilion built in 1906, to the famous Frozen Banana, Balboa Bar, and the Balboa Fun Zone, the Museum provides a place where locals and visitors have fun while learning. The Museum is also the home of an exclusive exhibit: John Wayne: At Home in SoCal, 1920 – 1979, featuring some of the Duke’s personal family photos. The Museum has provided the community with a gathering place with special events.

Recently, the Museum seized the opportunity for a long-term lease at 210 Marine Avenue, a historic building constructed in 1927 by the Richardson family. It still has the original vaulted barrel ceiling. This move will triple the Museum space, allowing for more in-depth exhibits and the hosting of more community events. New exhibits include The Wedge, History of the Newport Beach Lifeguard, Surfing, Duke Kahanamoku, and an interactive area dedicated to kids. This expansion will also allow for community events, and collaboration with other museums and historical societies. The New Museum will also allow for further development of educational programs for students from local schools.

The New Museum will open in November.

The Balboa Island Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1999.

Our Mission: To collect, preserve and promote the culture and history of Balboa Island and Newport Beach.
Our Vision: Inspiring our community to gather and celebrate our heritage.

This is a FREE event. Reservations are not needed.
Plenty of Free Parking at Marina Park.
(Parking Code 181071.)

Shirley Pepys is a well-respected Newport Beach businesswoman, co-founder of Noel Joanna Inc., philanthropist and entrepreneur. She lives in one of the oldest homes on Balboa Island and has always been interested in the history and culture of the community. In her most recent project–the expansion of the Balboa Island Museum–she combines that interest with her well-known creative talents.

Years ago Shirley was invited to view a building on Marine Avenue for a possible move of the Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society from a space near the Ferry. That visit captivated her heart, interest and energy and turned into a passion. She became a Board Member and the Creative Director of the Museum, and studied the history and local stories of the area so she could accurately design the various Museum exhibits. This location opened in December 2011. In November of this year, the Museum is expanding to another historic building at 210 Marine Avenue.

Shirley is actively involved with Orangewood Children’s Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides an array of programs and services for abused and neglected children in foster care. She serves as a Board Member Emeritus, mentors students, and is involved in fundraising for the Advanced Studies Program which provides scholarships for higher education.