Historical Society of Long Beach

HSLB is a working archive that saves our history by preserving the photographs, newspapers, documents, recordings, and other artifacts that tell the story of Long Beach and its diverse communities. We are also the home of Cambodian Community History & Archive Project (CamCHAP). Our mission is not just to collect and store these archives, but to make them accessible to the public through exhibitions, programs, and research. We know that history is more than just major events and official institutions. History is the record of our daily lives: our joys and sorrows, our everyday activities, our jobs, our schools, our churches. History is the clubs we were members of, the movie theaters we visited, and the cemeteries where we are buried. We value everyone's voices and strive to preserve the unique stories of all the different humans that call Long Beach home.

By donating to HSLB, you help support all our work, such as Preserving the Looff Legacy and Uplifting Historical Collections of Long Beach's LGBTQ+ Community. You help keep our gallery free and open to the public. You help preserve and safeguard the hundreds of thousands of items in our archives. You keep Long Beach history alive. Thank you. We couldn't do it without you.

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

"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.

"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

"HSLB is a wonderful place to work, do research, and learn. I look forward to coming back!"                                                                                                                        -Doug Pricer

Reactions to Centro de La Raza

Centro de La Raza: John A. Taboada Legacy Photo Collection 1970-1985was a truly special exhibit at our museum gallery. One of the central themes of this exhibit was community, and this sampling of community reactions prove how impactful this experience was for many. 

"I feel seen, I feel love for those who have always fought for our rights. It's great to see and to know que la lucha siempre a estado aqui y que nosotros lo vamos a continuar. . . not just for us, but for everyone.                                                                                                                                                                                                      -Melony

"I walked in today with my five year old son, and saw my mom, Ruth Torres, in a photo. It truly moved me to tears to see her recognized for her contribution to such a historical and important movement and history. I am so proud of the educator she was and still is and how much she truly loves to help others, even to this day. I will bring her for a visit soon. She will be honored to be acknowledged in this way. What an awesome exhibit."                                                                       -Joanna E.

Everything looks amazing here! You can tell the team put a lot of work & dedication into this exhibition! The panels are fun to look at, & the essays in the big binders are informative. Thank you all for your hard work."                                                                                                                                                                                 -Sandra C.

"An amazing exhibit that tells not only the history of our city but its soul as well. I loved the display of Chicano history, and how it's been a struggle trying to gain support for our people within the education system. I hope to leave my own mark someday as a 1st gen student."                                                                                  -Max