Join us for a series of evening lectures by prominent speakers from the world of art, horticulture and history.
Evening Lecture: Paul Spitzzeri – A. Otis Birch: The Strange Saga of Santa Ana’s Oil Tycoon
March 18, 2025 | 7 PM
The presentation will discuss Albert Otis Birch, an early Santa Ana resident, who became an oil tycoon in the early 20th century in Brea Canyon. He owned a furniture company and was an insurance executive. In the mid-1960s, Birch and his wife Estelle fell into the clutches of Pearl Choate, a nurse with a criminal past, who took them to Texas where they both died shortly after.
Paul R. Spitzzeri is Museum Director at the Workman and Temple Family Homestead Museum in the City of Industry, was raised in Orange County, and lives in Carbon Canyon, a stone’s throw from the county line in Chino Hills. He has written on the history of Los Angeles through articles, a national award-winning book on the Workman and Temple families, and blog posts and has spoken several times to the OCHS.
Evening Lecture: Paul Haddad – Inventing Paradise: The Power Brokers Who Created the Dream of Los Angeles
April 15, 2025 | 7 PM
This talk traces the improbable rise of Los Angeles through the prism of six visionaries who had outsize influence on the city’s growth: Phineas Banning, Harrison Gray Otis, Henry Huntington, Harry Chandler, William Mulholland, and Moses Sherman. Through his discussion, Haddad shows reveals that Los Angeles is not a paradise found, but a paradise that was willed into existence.
Evening Lecture: Lost Landmarks of Orange County
May 20, 2025 | 7 PM
New York Times best-selling author Chris Epting presents an engaging exploration of his book “Lost Landmarks of Orange County,” where he takes audiences on a nostalgic journey through the region’s cherished, yet long-gone treasures. From the whimsical Lion Country Safari to the iconic Golden Bear, Epting shares captivating stories and showcases rare photographs that bring these historic sites to life. His presentation offers a unique opportunity to experience Orange County’s vibrant past in a fun, informative way, as he uncovers the rich history and cultural significance of these beloved landmarks that once defined the landscape. Don’t miss this chance to relive the memories of a bygone era with Epting’s charming storytelling and compelling visuals.
Evening Lecture & Film: Newport & Me – Seymour Beek
June 17, 2025 | 7 PM – 8:30 PM
Video history film featuring life and times of our friend and neighbor Seymour Beek. Learn about Seymour’s ancestry, how and where his parents met and the developement of Balboa Island, Harbor Island and “Beek-un” Bay. We’ll travel through his school years, swimming at NHHS and Pomona College, working years at Ford, retirement, and taking on the Balboa Island Ferry business. Wonderfully preserved home-movies will show you first hand action of the Beek’s at home, playing in the year and on the beach, exploring Little Corona’s tide pools, lots of boating and sailing, their “mountain” retreat, the ferry business and so much more.
Evening Lecture: Sue Hodson – I Promise You I’ll be Home: Korean Letters of a U.S. Marine
September 18, 2025 | 7 PM
Before becoming a professional journalist and columnist for the Los Angeles Times, Al Martinez (1929-2015) served in the Korean War at the age of 21 with the U.S. Marines. From 1951 to 1952, he served first on the battlefront and then as a war correspondent. He dispatched letters almost daily to his young bride Joanne. Recently, McFarland and Co. has published a volume of Martinez’ war letters, sharing the unique perspective of an obviously gifted writer at the beginning of his career. His letters home captured his experiences eloquently and with depth of understanding as they express the dangers, hardships, fear, friendships, and even humor of life at the front.
Evening Lecture: The History of Irvine Ranch with Mike Stockstill and Nathan Gopen
October 21, 2025 | 7 PM
Join us for an engaging presentation by author and former Irvine Company executive, Mike Stockstill, as he delves into the rich history of the Irvine Ranch. Accompanying him, software engineer and content creator, Nathan Gopen will show the trailer for his documentary film, The Story of Irvine.
Mike Stockstill’s talk, based on his co-authored book Transforming the Irvine Ranch: Joan Irvine, William Pereira, Ray Watson, and the Big Plan (2022), will narrate the fascinating transformation of the Irvine Ranch from an agricultural powerhouse to the thriving community we know today. The presentation will also highlight the colorful and often tragic history of the Irvine family.
Following Mr. Stockstill’s talk will be the trailer for Nathan Gopen’s documentary, The Story of Irvine. This film records 150 years of Irvine history, beginning with James Irvine’s acquisition of over 100,000 acres in Orange County.