Honoring the 250th Founding Anniversary of the United States of America, July 4, 2026 is a time to celebrate, raise Old Glory, and count blessings. It is also a moment to reflect, examine, and plan for the future. Americans constantly move the needle; change is forever pushing the limits.

 

In keeping with such spirit and practice, the remarkable local treasure Balboa Island Museum will evolve and expand its reach with a summer launch under a new and just slightly revised name—Newport Beach Museum.

 

“We are so proud to become Newport Beach Museum,” reports museum founder and CEO Shirley Pepys. “This natural evolution allows our programs and exhibitions to share the broader story of Newport Beach while still honoring the island heritage at our core.”

 

A launch celebration is planned at the museum located in one of the oldest and most historic buildings standing at 210 Marine Avenue on Balboa Island. In conjunction with America’s anniversary celebration this year, Visit Newport Beach has partnered with the museum to feature a special exhibition this summer called “120 Years Of Welcome” about The City of Newport Beach and all it offers to residents and visitors.

 

Open 7 days per week, the family friendly Newport Beach Museum welcomes all to come and share this special exhibition. To date, more than half a million visitors have crossed the threshold to participate in the programs, special events, speaker presentations, classes, and celebrations offered. From toddlers to seniors, the museum is at service to all.

 

“As our vision expands, so does the mission to serve the community,” adds Pepys. In particular that mission centers around educational program outreach to Newport-Mesa youth. Operating entirely on grants, donations, and membership support, a fund has been established to fuel the mission moving forward into 2027-28 along with the name change exposure. The name change is all about opportunity to be more inclusive of the entire Newport Beach community. A goal of $250,000 has been established. To date, donations are coming in with the hope of completing the funding by September 1, 2026 at summer’s end.

 

The former Balboa Island Museum, now Newport Beach Museum, is all about the story of our lives: past, present, and future. Keep the legacy alive and thriving. Join the Museum family.

 

Suggested giving levels to meet the launch funding goal transition to Newport Beach Museum:

The Wedge                         $1,000

8 Islands                             $2,500

The Harbor                         $5,000

Newport USA                    $10,000

 

For more information on the expense associated with the name change, all the new programming coming, and the use of your generous support, please reach out to Museum Executive Director Tiffany Pepys Hoey at 949.675.3952 or via email at tiffany@balboaislandmuseum.org or US Mail at 210 Marine Ave., Balboa Island, CA 92662. View QR Code as well.

 

210 B Marine Avenue, Balboa Island, CA 92662

949-675-3952 | balboaislandmuseum.org | Open Daily