Looking At the Past in Long Beach- Visiting the Long Beach Historical Society

I just love when I discover a new place by chance. I was strolling along, minding my business, when out of an orange colored sky…oops! Lost my train of thought.

As I was trying to say, my friend and I were just strolling along in Long Beach when we came across what looked to be a museum. Upon further investigation (we went in) it turned out to be the home of the Long Beach Historical Society.

The Historical Society is housed in a former storefront on Atlantic Avenue in the Bixby Knolls area. Aside from holding archives for those inclined to research there are also exhibits that are open to the public. AND there is no cost to view these exhibits (they do accept donations). I love that.

At the time of our visit the main exhibit was on the history of the Long Beach Day Nursery– a day care founded in 1912 for the care of children of working mothers.  It was filled with photographs of the cutest little kiddies and provided insight into a bit of Long Beach history I knew nothing about.

There was another small exhibit on WPA works in the Long Beach area with photos of the various projects…

as well as some historic artifacts.

The above item is from The Pike – the amusement park that at one time lined Long Beach’s waterfront. Oh, how I’d love to time travel and visit that place. Alas, I can’t. But, at least I can visit the historical society to view it’s artifacts.

So, if you happen to be strolling along Atlantic Avenue, stop in. It’s worth the visit.

Long Beach Historical Society
4260 Atlantic Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90807
open Tues, Wed, Fri 1-5pm, Thurs 1-7pm, Sat 11-5pm