Q. Does the Anaheim Historical Society do genealogic research?
A . Anaheim has the most comprehensive local history archives in this area, maintained at the Central Branch of the Anaheim Public Library. With the exceptional resources available through the City, the AHS does not need to keep separate archives. The city is in the process of uploading historic photos online to their Digital Anaheim site for easier reference. There are currently several thousand available, with more going up all of the time. For inquiries related to individual research projects, or other matters of interest in local history, you are encouraged to contact:
Jane Newell
Curator
Local History Room
Anaheim Public Library
500 W. Broadway
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 765-1850
There is also a local mother-daughter team that does this type of work for a fee.
Ann Nepsa (714) 779-2030
And
Melanie Goss (714) 964-1539
The Orange County Archives are open 9 am to noon, 1 pm to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and house many records of note for historic research. For more information contact:
Phil Brigandi
OC Archives
Old Orange County Courthouse
211 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Room 101
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 834-2536
Q. Does the Anaheim Historical Society assist with architectural preservation projects?
A. While the AHS and its members have contributed to and supported various preservation projects in the community, we are essentially an educational institution. For more information on hands-on projects, including rehabilitating your historic home, or participating in the Mills Act program for property tax reduction on eligible homes, you may contact the following persons:
Phyllis Mueller or Tom Kupfrian
Historic Preservation Office
City of Anaheim
201 S. Anaheim Blvd
Anaheim, CA 92805
(714) 765-4351 Phyllis Mueller
(714) 765-4334 Tom Kupfrian
For more information on the Mills Act Program, click HERE. They follow a series of guidelines delineated in the Historic Preservation Plan for restoring historic structures. It's available for sale at the Anaheim Museum. You can download a PDF of it from the Anaheim site HERE. It's an amazing resource and also has an excellent selection of photos of local houses. To download the Anaheim Colony Historical District Visual Presentation which features homes, guidelines and more, click HERE. Note these last two are large in size; so only download them if you have a high speed connection.
Q. How can I become involved in historic preservation projects in Anaheim?
A. If you are looking for a "hands-on" opportunity, or if you need assistance maintaining your own home, the citizens of Anaheim, and many of our AHS members also participate in some wonderful volunteer programs in the City.
Paint Your Heart Out Anaheim, Inc. (PYHOA) preps and paints about 50 homes every year for low income, senior, or disabled residents.
Build Your Heart Out (BYHO) purchases homes that have seen better days, and completely renovates them for resale as affordable housing.
For information about Paint Your Heart Out, Anaheim and Build Your Heart Out, contact Carolyn Grebe at: www.pyhoa.org
Q. Where is the Anaheim Historical Society located?
A. Since the AHS does not maintain a permanent facility, we are free to be flexible in our program choices. Many of our meetings take place at the Anaheim Museum, located at 241 S. Anaheim Blvd. at Broadway. However, we also hold meetings at other locations of local historical interest. Please click HERE for upcoming meeting schedules.
Q. What kinds of programs or institutions does the Anaheim Historical Society support?
A. We have actively supported the Anaheim Museum since its foundation. Many of our members sit on the Museum's Board of Directors.
Q. How do I find out more or become a Member?
A. For membership information, go to our Membership page.
If you have a question that has not been addressed, please contact us.
