Museum Update >
The Hermosa Beach Museum is currently open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 noon to 4 PM
THANKSGIVING CLOSURE: 11/27 to 11/29, reopening on Saturday 11/30
WINTER HOLIDAY CLOSURE: 12/25 to 1/2, reopening on Friday 1/3
Virtual & Recorded Lectures
Footsteps of My Father: Tracing a Veterans Story through his WWII Tour in the South Pacific
On this Veteran's Day, in honor of Andrew Jefferson (A.J.) Shoemaker Jr., U.S. Navy Chief Pharmacist Mate, his son Mark made a photo rich presentation on A.J.'s Pacific tours of duty during WWII.
Mark researched his father's military activity and recently retraced his footsteps in the South Pacific by traveling on a cargo ship throughout the coral atoll island country of Tuvala (Ellice Islands) where he found many WWII remnants.The presentation will cover island life before, during and after WWII, including the current struggles with rising sea level due to Climate Change. A.J.'s second tour of duty was on the Fletcher Class Destroyer USS Charles Ausburne where after numerous kamikaze attacks off Okinawa, celebrated the end of WWII. Afterwards, like so many other Veterans, A.J. settled in the South Bay, raised his family, and enjoyed a career in aerospace.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
CLICK HERE to view the PowerPoint presentation.
Speakeasy Summer Beer Tasting - Hermosa's Prohibition History
Embrace the Roarin’ 20s at the Hermosa Beach Museum's next Happy Hour with History: Speakeasy Summer Beer Tasting on Thursday, September 19! Enjoy a presentation on the history of Prohibition in Hermosa and stories from local watering holes before finding your favorite beer of the summer in a blind taste test. Afterwards, take in music of the 1920s while you explore Hermosa Beach’s historic bars in the new “Cheers, Hermosa!” exhibit.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
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Amber Waves of Autumn - Book Reading & Signing
Thank you for joining us at the Hermosa Beach Museum for an evening of thrilling readings from upcoming surf-noir anthology The Amber Waves of Autumn with editor David M. Olsen and author Michael Scott Moore. Beverages will be served and light food will be provided.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
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Paddleboard Unveiling
Thank you for join us for the unveiling of a historic paddleboard at the Hermosa Beach Museum on Saturday, August 31! Originally built in the 1930s, this paddleboard was owned by famed waterman Pete Peterson and donated to the museum by decorated paddleboarder Jim Mollica. Local historian and museum board member Mark Shoemaker will present on the history of the board and hold a Q&A with Jim Mollica.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
CLICK HERE to view the PowerPoint presentation.
Naming the Nameless: The DNA Doe Project
Thank you for joining the Hermosa Beach Museum for our October webinar with the DNA Doe Project, and how they are employing modern technology to solve historical crime cases. We were joined by guest speaker Carl Koppelman, a lifetime resident of South Bay who has spent the past 14 years in the effort to restore the names to the unidentified deceased, and resolve decades-old missing persons cases with the DNA Doe Project. Carl will be exploring how the organization operates, as well as reviewing case studies such as the recent identification of Catherine Parker-Johnson whose remains were found in Redondo Beach in 2001.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
DALE VELZY: Commemorative Plaque Unveiling & Celebration
August 27, 2023
Thanks for joining us at the Hermosa Beach Museum to celebrate the legacy of Dale Velzy, and reveal his commemorative plaque that recognizes his contributions to surf culture before its installation in Manhattan Beach. Dale Velzy grew up, and learned to surf, and shape surfboards in Hermosa Beach. A plaque honoring him, for what is recognized by many as the worlds first commercial surfboard shop, will be installed on the northeast corner of Manhattan Beach Blvd. and Ocean Drive. At the event, there was an open microphone signup list for people to share their memories of Dale Velzy, kicked off by the one and only Bing Copeland.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
Happy Hour with History: Rewilding the Hermosa Greenbelt with the South Bay Parkland Conservancy
July 20th, 2023
This month we were be joined by the South Bay Parkland Conservancy (SBPC) for a dynamic presentation from their President Jim Light on the Hermosa Greenbelt Rewilding. This presentation provided an overview of the SBPC mission and their work on the Greenbelt. It also explored the history of the Greenbelt and learn more about the endangered El Segundo Blue Butterfly, the overwintering Monarchs, why ice plant is being removed, and the future goals of the SBPC.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
50 Years of Iron Man: Speaker Panel
July 14th, 2023
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In conjunction with our exhibition opening, the Hermosa Beach Museum hosted an Iron Man speaker panel consisting of event organizer and recognized event participants. Thank you to our panelists Bob "Burgie" Benz, Pat Benz, Chris Brown, Annie Seawright-Newton, Piper Newton, and Steve "Stonne" Tonne. We would also like to thank our panel host James Lenihan!
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
PROUTYLINE PRODUCTS: The Origin of "Hermosa Tile" and Metlox Neon Signs
March 22nd, 2023
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In preparation for the opening of our temporary exhibit Proutyline Products, thank you for joining us online with local historian and Hermosa Beach Museum Board Member Mark Shoemaker and our Museum Director & Curator Jamie Erickson for an in depth exploration of the founding of Hermosa Tile by T.C. Prouty and his lengthy career that included the manufacturing of door hangers, speed indicators, electrical supplies, tile, porcelain, neon signs as well as numerous patents for revolutionary equipment and formulas.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
Happy Hour with History: Voices from the U.S. Department of Justice Internment Camps During World War II with Helen Yoshida
February 26th, 2023
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Historian Helen Yoshida expanded upon the history of World War II incarceration through oral history interviews and archival documents about the U.S. Department of Justice camps that interned Japanese, Germans, Italians, Japanese Peruvians, and their children.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
Happy Hour with History: John Van Hamersveld
January 26th, 2023
The Hermosa Beach Historical Society was excited to have artist, John Van Hamersveld, give a talk at the Hermosa Beach Museum. Thanks for joining us for an evening of art, culture, and history!
CLICK HERE to visit John Van Hamersveld's Website
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
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SOUTH BAY ORIGINS: Harbors, Railroads & Real Estate
September 29th, 2022
Thank you for joining us online for a presentation on early South Bay History with Mark Shoemaker from the Hermosa Beach Historical Society Board of Directors. Mark explored the beginnings of our local harbors, railroads and real estate in a comprehensive presentation with vivid historical photographs.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
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Punk Rock Photography with Kevin Salk, & Dez Cadena on his Hermosa Beach Roots and time with Black Flag
March 31st, 2022
Thank you for joining us at the Hermosa Beach Historical Society at the Hermosa Beach Museum for the March installment of Happy Hour with History! We were joined by author Kevin Salk for a reading of his latest publication, PUNK: PHOTOS FROM A FAN'S PERSPECTIVE.
Special Guest Appearance by DEZ CADENA of Black Flag.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
The Silver Waves of Summer: Book Launch
August 5th, 2021
The Hermosa Beach Historical Society and {pages} a bookstore and are pleased to present an evening celebrating the launch of The Silver Waves of Summer. Enjoy excerpt readings with authors Michael Scott Moore, Tod Goldberg, Naomi Hirahara, Antoine Wilson, and other contributing authors.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
The History of Skateboarding in Hermosa Beach
July 22nd, 2021
This month we will be joined by professional skateboarder Cindy Whitehead to explore the history of skateboarding in Hermosa Beach from the 1960's to present day.
Cindy Whitehead is a 1970’s professional skater and activist. She began freestyle skateboarding in her hometown of Hermosa Beach, and turned professional at the age of 16 when she was one of the female pioneers of vertical skateboarding. Whitehead was one of the first girls out there, proving that skateboarding was for everyone.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
CLICK HERE to follow Cindy's work on Instagram
Los Angeles Car Culture
June 17th, 2021
Join us for our June webinar on Los Angeles Car Culture with guest panelists Alec Carlson, Anne Williams, and Tom Zimmerman! We will hit the road with our panelists to explore our history with cars, and how the joy of driving has brought all of us together. We will also get a glimpse into a new generation of LA car enthusiasts who are already busy in their garages making history today.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
CLICK HERE to follow Anne on Instagram
CLICK HERE to follow Alec on Instagram
CLICK HERE to find Tom's book on Amazon
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An Abalone Story
April 15th, 2021
Captain Nancy Caruso is a marine biologist and founder of Get Inspired. One of Get Inspired many programs, aimed at involving and engaging their community in science, is their ocean restoration program. Through this program, Nancy and her team restored the kelp forests of Orange County, after being gone for 2 decades, and now they are working on restoring green abalone, white seabass, and Pismo clams. Nancy will tell us the story of her work to protect our local sea life, her community programs and the historical significance of the species she is devoted to restoring.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Nancy & Get Inspired.
Beach City Piers
March 18th, 2021
Join us online in March as representatives from the Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach Historical Societies team up to present a history of their beach city piers!
Presenters: Gary McAulay from Manhattan Beach, Chris Miller from Hermosa Beach, and Dead Francois with Rob Gaddis from Redondo Beach.
Click here to connect with the Manhattan Beach Historical Society.
Click here to connect with the Redondo Beach Historical Society.
Loreto: The Story of Hermosa's Sister City & How We Came Together
February 25th, 2021
Join us in February for a presentation on the history of Loreto, Hermosa Beach's sister city in Baja California Sur, Mexico. We will also explore the story behind how these two beach towns came together in 1967, and how the Hermosa Beach Sister City Association has built a United States Congressionally Recognized Program that continues to impact the community of Loreto today.
Click here to learn more about the HBSCA on their website.
Click here to watch a documentary about the HBSCA by Rick Koenig.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
Acquisition Highlights of 2020
January 7th, 2021
Join us in the new year for a presentation on some of our latest additions to the Hermosa Beach Museum Collections & Archives, led by our HBHS Collections Volunteers and Staff. While our museum doors were closed to visitors most of 2020, we were able to accomplish some exciting collections work that we would like to share with our community.
Click here to support the HBHS by making a donation today.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
Tongva Experience: 2020 Virtual Field Trip
November 2020
The Hermosa Beach Historical Society & Museum is proud to present our annual Tongva Experience Field Trip virtually for our Hermosa Beach 4th Grade Students this year. We would like to thank the Hermosa Beach Kiwanis Club for sponsoring this program.
We are thrilled to welcome back Julia Bogany, a Tribal Council Member and the Cultural Consultant for the Tongva-Gabrielino, the native people of the South Bay. Julia will be sharing the history, stories, and culture of the Tongva Tribe with our students to help fulfill their California History educational requirement.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
Haunting Stories of the South Bay
October 29th, 2020
Join the HBHS and our special Halloween presentation with presenter Chris Miller for some spooky stories from the South Bay!
Turn off the lights, and try not to get too scared!
A SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Chris Miller, Dave Lucero, Laura Brodeur, Larry Hudson, Brigid Dowd, Jan Dennis, Jill Costley & Will Watson.
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our Website.
South Bay Surf Music
September 24th, 2020
Join the HBHS and our September speaker Domenic Priore to explore the history of surf music in the South Bay from 1960-1965.
In the wake of surfboards becoming lighter... from wood planks to polyurethane... Teenagers during the early 1960s had a great, big, beautiful tomorrow to look forward to in the South Bay of Los Angeles. The new popularity of surfing during the late '50 lead immediately into kids, just getting their chops together on guitars, saxophones and drums, to form bands to play at the dances where High School-aged surfers met.
SPOTIFY PLAYLIST: Click Here!
DOMENIC'S PUBLICATIONS:
Pacific Ocean Park: The Rise and Fall of Los Angeles' Space Age Nautical Pleasure Pier
Riot on Sunset Strip: Rock 'n' Roll's Last Stand in Hollywood
Smile: The Story of Brian Wilson's Lost Masterpiece
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
The Story of Southern California's Pacific Electric Railway Cars
August 20th, 2020
If you like the dramatic plots of China Town or Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, then you’ll love the striking (and real) story of Southern California’s Pacific Electric Railway Cars. For our August presentation we were joined by Jared Nigro, Chief Operations Officer of the Los Angeles Railroad Heritage Foundation. Jared walked us through the beginnings of the Pacific Electric Railway, to their height and ultimate end in Southern California- specifically, the Hermosa and Redondo Beach areas.
To learn more about the Los Angeles Railroad Heritage Foundation and their current programing, check out their website by clicking here!
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
Avenues, Lighthouses, & Stages: The History of Jazz in Los Angeles
July 23rd, 2020
Award-winning musician, composer, and music historian Willie Aron presents an overview of the history, and enduring impact of, jazz in Los Angeles. From Jelly Roll Morton and Lionel Hampton to Ornette Coleman and Kamasi Washington, from Central Avenue and Hermosa Beach’s famed Lighthouse Cafe to the World Stage, we explored the faces, places and sounds that have impacted musicians and music lovers alike for over a century.
WILLIE'S READING LIST:
Central Avenue Sounds: Jazz in Los Angeles
Clora Bryant, and others.
Central Avenue Sounds: Jazz in Los Angeles 1921-1956 (Rhino Records) - Cd box set (Booklet notes are fantastic)
California Soul: Music of African-Americans in the West - Jacqueline Cogdell DjeDje, Eddie S. Meadows
West Coast Jazz - Ted Gioia
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.
North American Galapagos
June 18th, 2020
Corinne Heyning Laverty presents a stunning slide show featuring beautiful color and historic photographs of California’s eight Channel Islands and the pre-WWII scientific expeditions that went out to them.
To read Corinne's book it is available for purchase:
Online through the University of Utah Press. (At check out, add both the ebook and book into your cart, and use the code VIRTUALISLANDS for a discount.)
At PAGES in Manhattan Beach (please contact PAGES ahead of time for their most up to date shopping experience.)
CLICK HERE to watch this presentation on our YouTube Channel.