The Balboa Island Museum of Newport Beach welcomes thousands of visitors each month, touring the galleries displaying the coastal history of greater Orange County. Its mission is to establish a community legacy linking generations over more than a century of extraordinary life on the Pacific Rim. Founded by Shirley Pepys and led by her daughter Tiffany Pepys Hoey, the museum operates on public support. Legacy donations are essential for long-term sustainability. The membership roster, with annual dues, donations, and legacy giving, keeps the lights on. Covering the rent on the museum’s 100-year-old building on Marine Avenue requires significant annual fundraising along with frugal management.

 

“We celebrate our 15th year on Marine Avenue in 2026, and the future is positive,” reports John Conners, attorney and former Goldman Sachs executive who leads the museum board of directors. Conner continues, “Our board is strong with a diverse group of local talent bringing expertise on many levels helping to expand, sustain, and grow the museum.”

 

Founder Shirley Pepys joins the conversation. “We are a dedicated and hard-working team every day, and we represent Newport Beach and Orange County in a significant way for both residents and visitors.”

 

To achieve ongoing success, Museum Director Tiffany Pepys Hoey curates and changes the exhibits in the main gallery multiple times each year on a seasonal basis. Currently, a marvelous collection of plein air watercolors by iconic artist Rex Brandt is on display, on loan from the personal collection of Mark Hilbert.

 

The gallery also features an exhibit on author Richard English, presenting his latest book, The Pennant. English, also a respected attorney with writing credits on subjects including sports, law, and technology, resides with his wife Emma in Laguna Beach. This latest book, available for purchase in the museum, includes the photography of book publisher Tom Lamb.

 

Special events coming in March include the beginning of a series of educational seminars on AI. Guest speaker Scott Williamson returns on March 26 for an evening with the museum audience, celebrating Newport Beach featured on decades of television programs. Then, on March 29th, the annual Vietnam Pinning Ceremony will take place recognizing our local veterans. Mark your calendar for April 23rd to meet the newly elected Mayor of Newport Beach Lauren Kleiman, who will address the crowd.

 

Museum membership comes with great community connection. Consider joining and supporting the local legacy for the next 100 years. As the popular slogan asks, “You in?” Please refer to the sidebar on this page for information on supporting the Balboa Island Museum. To make a donation and/or become a new member, please use the QR code for access to all the information, or call 949-675-3952.

 

210 B Marine Avenue

Balboa Island, CA 92662

949-675-3952

Open Daily