Historical Society of Long Beach

The HSLB has a museum, archive, and research center located in Bixby Knolls. The HSLB houses more than 150,000 photographic images of Long Beach, thousands of documents, maps, works of art, architectural drawings, artifacts, and other materials that document the history of Long Beach. HSLB is home to the Cambodian Community History and Archive Project. Our current museum exhibition is Centro de la Raza: John A. Taboada Legacy Photo Collection 1970-1985. We also have The Workers' Harbor--How Labor Built and Shaped the Port of Long Beach on display at the Port Administration Building and our mobile exhibition, Represented at Last! The Transformation of Long Beach's People and Politics is appearing at both the Civic Center Lobby and our museum gallery. We will also hold the 28th annual Historic Cemetery Tour this October 26th. Thanks to our members and donors, we are able to make Long Beach History accessible to the community for free. We can help ensure that it stays that way with your help.

Testimonials

"It is a treasure trove of historical information. It makes you proud to be part of Long Beach."
-Ian Beavis

"I have learned a great deal about local history, the need for recording that history, and the importance of fostering community interest in your surroundings through my employment and continuing service to the Historical Society of Long Beach. The HSLB is the only cultural heritage group within our city that is collecting, preserving, and making available to researchers (i.e. YOU) the ongoing history of Long Beach."
-Brandon Werts

"This is so amazing I am crying to see her story up and her picture."
- Granddaughter of Dale Clinton, (Dale Clinton is currently highlighted in HSLB's A Woman's Place in the Spotlight window exhibition.)

"Wow and Wow! As a member, I am impressed with the amount of work being done! Thank you for all you do."
-Rick Goldsmith

"The Historical Society is a great organization- they are dedicated to collecting and presenting an all-inclusive history of the city. Their photo collection is outstanding. Their exhibits are interesting, their historians are as knowledgeable and willing to spend time helping visitors find what they are looking for and to help them understand how the city grew and changed over the years."
-Roxanne P.

"Great collection of Long Beach historical materials: photos, local newspapers, dating back many decades. As an author, now working on the 4th book in a series, the resources and staff at the Historical Society have been invaluable."
-Jim K.

"The Historical Society of Long Beach is the home to the history of this old and colored city. Besides the varied exhibitions they put on during the course of the year, they host a great cemetery tour each year, bringing residents to life, and are home to an extensive archive. If you have some time, whether traveling through or living in the area, take some time and drop by."
-Titus Crockett