Oct.17, 2024, Halloween came early… as the Ocean Beach Historical Society presented Macabre Victorians Thurs., at Waters Edge Community Center, 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., O.B. Presenters drew back the dark veil and so we could take a glimpse into Victorian Macabre with Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation Historian Sandee Wilhoit and GQHF volunteer Jamie Laird as they delve into some of the bizarre superstitions, intricate customs, and fascinating practices of our Victorian ancestors surrounding mourning and death. What were the highly regarded customs of “dressing for success” for both the new widows, and the new corpses? Did the Victorian obsession with “proper” mourning rituals influence the rise of Spiritualism, and what elements of Spiritualism still captivate our society today? What was the fascination behind “Post-Mortem Photography” and “Mummy Unwrapping Parties?” The answers awaited that night of Victorian Macabre! Some of us dressed in Victorian Macabre. All OBHS programs are free!

All had a great time celebrating with Ocean Beach Historical Society, Thurs., Sept. 19, at Water’s Edge Community Center. We celebrated the Centennial of the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club with presenters Faren Shear and Susan Winkie, and had cake! It is said that “the history of the Ocean Beach Woman’s Club is the History of Ocean Beach.” We found out: Who were these women? Who started the Club in Ocean Beach? How has the group evolved over the last century? Always FREE, come on down!

Aug. 15, 2024, The Ocean Beach Historical Society presented Teresa Burrows who gave a fasinating history of her family in Old Town, “Through my Fathers Eyes, Growing Up in Old Town San Diego”, at Water Edge Community Center, 1984 Sunset Cliff Blvd. All OBHS Programs are Free!

Thurs., July 18, 2024– The Ocean Beach Historical Society presented: A Willow Tree Becomes A Forest, 7 pm, at Waters Edge Community Center, 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. OBHS Favorite
Dr. Russell Low returned with a continuing saga of the American west: “A Willow Tree Becomes a Forest,” the follow-up to his popular Three Coins from 2019. The book and the multimedia presentation explored the struggles of the early Chinese to put down roots and pursue dreams in the setting of the Chinese Exclusion Act. (1882-1943) For those who stayed in America, the path was filled with potholes that required perseverance, ingenuity, and humor to overcome. A Willow Tree Becomes a Forest is another great immigrant story about who we are and how we came to be here as Americans. All OBHS programs are free!

Great fun at the 44th Annual Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Saturday, June 22.
The Ocean Beach Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Festival offered attendees fun in the sun for all ages, including the ever-popular Ocean Beach Historical Society Booth (near Hodads). Our booth had many historic photos (historic Pier photos), relics and more! Ocean Beach books and sale items were also available in our booth.

The OB Street Fair also includes continuous music, art, beachfront entertainment, shopping, food and more.
Entry to the Street Fair is always FREE!

June 20, 2024 at 7 PM, at Waters Edge, at 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., The Ocean Beach Historical Society presented a Q&A session with Save Our Heritage Organization‘s Executive Director Bruce Coons and Board President David Goldberg. OBceans can ask about the pressing issues and concerns surrounding preservation efforts.
Whether it’s the preservation of a single historic site, the impact of unchecked development on our historic neighborhoods, or the latest developer focused initiatives from city hall, Bruce and David provided perspectives and answers to the questions that matter most to you, the Ocean Beach community.
Bruce has a special connection with Ocean Beach, having lived here in his youth and meeting his wife Alana there almost 50 years ago where they lived happily in OB for over a decade and now live in Loma Portal.
David has been a nearby Point Loma neighbor for 30+ years-both of these preservation activists are fully invested in helping San Diego’s historic neighborhoods.
Guests questions for this interactive program received direct insights into pressing preservation issues.  All OBHS programs are free.

May 16, 2024 the OBHS had a fabulous program! “The Tradition of Festa” – right in the middle of Festa week – in the sanctuary at Water’s Edge.  We learned about the oldest cultural tradition celebrated in San Diego, the Festa do Espirito Santo, (the Feast of the Holy Spirit) more commonly referred to as simply Festa in Point Loma.  Wonderful Portuguese Community historian Zeca Rodrigues was our guest presenter, delving into the origins and Traditions of Festa. Guest were treated to homemade traditional treats after the program!

On April 18, 2024, the Ocean Beach Historical Society presented: ASTOUNDING! with John Freeman, at Water’s Edge 1984 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. 
This is a pictorial history of San Diego celebrated the scientists, explorers, athletes, and authors who shaped our city. 
Join us at future OBHS programs. They are are always free!

Wonderful turnout! Ocean Beach Historical Society celebrated Spring at the Wisteria Cottage Patio under the century-old blooming vines, on the evening of Thurs. March 21, 2024 at Garden at 4761 Niagara Ave. The event included unique historical photos, artifacts, and surprises. The evening was full of fun.