Historical Society of Long Beach

With Unilocal as my filter to the world, destinations rarely happen by chance. Stumbling across the Historical Society of Long Beach as I strolled Bixby Knolls retail street Atlantic Avenue was a delight. The retail store front used as a museum with constantly changing fresh exhibits was featuring two themes. The theme that caught my attention was a room of memorabilia, photographs, and documents taking a look at LGBT life in Long Beach from the late 1800s to today. The second room was dedicated to presidential candidate and presidential visitors appearances in Long Beach.
They are about to change over one exhibit to install a timeline of Long Beach from its founding to today.

Great place to learn about the history of the city of Long Beach. It’s open during the day, but it’s also open in the evening during First Fridays (obviously, first Friday of the month).
The current exhibit is «Coming out in Long Beach», featuring the history of LGBT people and the movement in the city over the last few decades. It even features post its so guests can add personal notes to the historic timeline. Very touching.
Learning is fun!
street parking

While on Atlantic Avenue I noticed a building named the Historical society of Long Beach. This building peaked my interest and I decided to investigate. Upon arrival inside of the historical society the place smelled like newspaper clippings and old photographs. Along the walls there were many old pictures, newspapers, and different artifacts that had documented the history of Long Beach.
I noticed the Long Beach newspaper used to be called the Long Beach Sun and there were many unique newspaper clippings describing different eras in Long Beach’s history. I really enjoyed my time at the Historical Society of Long Beach and encourage locals and non locals to check this place out for a history lesson on one of the world’s greatest cities, Long Beach.

I went here to check out their exhibit of WWII propaganda posters. It was OK. It’s a pretty small gallery. They also have lots of historical photos of Long Beach, and artifacts. If you want to learn a little about the local history of Long Beach it’s a good place to go. It was free so I can’t complain.

This event is unique and entertaining, and a stretch for our historical society, who must do so much research and get together sooooo many volunteers. The police department is out with their BBQ Monster grilling hot dogs and hamburgers for everyone who attends (FREE! FREE! FREE!), with drinks for $ 1.
The actors who recreate the Long Beach decedents bring so much to their audience. Each is fully dressed in the costume of the day, down to shoes and uniforms, and hair-​dos. They tell their stories in a personal way, tying in old Long Beach, the various wars, earthquakes, and other historicals events, with such detail that you are sucked in like it’s a mini-​movie.
People on the scene: old, young, and very young. Something for everyone. The Sunnyside part of the cemetery is very gopher-​hole ridden and requires care when walking, and there is alot of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes and be ready to be a little dusty, but it’s well worth it. Truly emphasizes Halloween and remembrance. Some attendees are dressed in Halloween costumes, and there is so much to learn.
The Mayor attends each year, and there is always a politically themed piece that will make you laugh and understand, and be PROUD of Long Beach and its history.
$ 18 for non-​society members, $ 12 for members, $ 5 for students, and you can use a coupon from the Press Telegram to get $ 3 off.
Learn alot about people, important and high-​fallootin, as well as those who are not as high society, but just as important because of their contributions to make this city what it is.

I am actually reviewing their annual Historical Cemetery Tour at Sunnyside and Municipal cemeteries on Willow Street and Orange Avenue in LB. I usually go every year and it’s always fun. They have costumed actors at several grave sites who tell the story of the person who is in that grave. Who knew Long Beach had so many colorful citizens? From the founder of our city to a cross dressing train robber to soldiers from various battles, this tour tells the story of life in early LB in a fun and offbeat manner. There is usually a Dia de los Muertos craft table, various displays and books for sale. Last year they offered free hot dogs with drinks and chips for purchase. This years tour is on Halloween Day, Saturday 10 – 31 from 9 am until 2 pm. For an affordable, local Halloween activity, I would highly recommend the cemetery tour.