For several years, the Balboa Island Museum was tucked away in a quaint cottage on a side street near the bridge welcoming visitors to the island.
Though modest in size, it was a treasure trove of photographs, artworks, memorabilia, personal letters and town records, captivating history enthusiasts with its charm and depth.
Thanks to Shirley Pepys, the fledgling museum eventually found a home on Marine Avenue, Balboa Island’s lively main street of shops and eateries.
The 2018 move to a 2,200-square-foot space has transformed it into a cultural hub, attracting more than 380,000 visitors from around the world.
“This is a unique community,” said Pepys, founder and board chair of the Balboa Island Museum. “To have something like a museum is very meaningful to the people here. Everybody wants to tell our story.”
Connecting People to a Shared History
More than 15 years ago, a group of locals began collecting memorabilia from Balboa Island and Newport Beach.
They wanted to start a museum but needed direction.
That’s when Pepys became involved.
Leveraging her experience with community-building projects, including her role in developing the Orangewood Children’s Foundation, Pepys partnered with early visionary Sharon Lambert to secure the funds to establish the museum inside a cottage on Balboa Island.
Then, in 2018, Pepys initiated and managed the move to the current location on Marine Street.
Under Pepys’ leadership and the guidance of her daughter, Tiffany Pepys Hoey, the museum has blossomed into a vibrant community centerpiece supported by memberships and donations.
The museum receives about $275,000 in donations annually, Hoey told the Business Journal in an email.
“The Argyros family has been very generous in providing our rent since opening in this location that we have been in for six years,” she said, referring to Julia and George Argyros. “Our retail store is also a big source of income.”
Other donors include Pepys, Jack and Joan Northrup, Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, Smart & Final Foundation, Paula Castanon, Farmers & Merchants Bank, Samueli Foundation, Don Abrams and John Scudder.
As the executive director, Hoey brings her background in luxury goods marketing to the role, infusing the museum with fresh energy.
“The museum isn’t just about preserving the past,” said Hoey. “It’s about connecting people to our shared history and inspiring future generations to appreciate what makes our community so special.”
In 2023, the museum achieved a significant milestone when it was named one of the Los Angeles Times’ Best Museums, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit local destination.
Free to the public, it offers a range of exhibits, including tributes to the Balboa Island Ferry, founded in 1919 by Joseph Beek, who played a key role in the development of the island itself and was also noted as the longest-serving secretary of the senate in California history (1919–68), and Newport Beach resident and actor John Wayne.
A popular exhibit explores the history of surfing in Southern California, while another honors local veterans who served in every war since World War I. With a growing collection of over 7,000 cataloged and uncatalogued items, the museum continues to expand its impact.
Island History on Display at JWA
The museum’s reach extends beyond Balboa Island.
A 130-foot-long exhibit is currently on display at John Wayne Airport, highlighting the region’s history with scenes of the Balboa Island Ferry, the Boy Scout Jamboree and more.
Created by Hoey and Celeste Dennerlein, historian-archivist, the exhibit opened in mid-October and ran through Jan. 27. The Newport Beach Public Library also features a continuous exhibit of photographs and artifacts depicting early life on Balboa Island and Newport Beach.
The museum’s board of directors, led by Pepys, has brought together community leaders such as John Conners, board president and managing director at Goldman Sachs, and Keith Curry, former mayor of Newport Beach.
Conners said the museum plays an important role in the Newport Beach community as an educational and historical resource, as well as a visitor center for the numerous tourists embracing the island each year.
“Working with the founder, executive director and an energetic and visionary group of volunteer board members has only increased my commitment to the long term mission of the museum, and we are now focused on securing a permanent home,” Conners told the Business Journal. “Being privately funded presents its challenges, and it is gratifying to see how our partnership with a supportive community has helped us meet our goals.”
Other board members include James Quandt, co-founder, Thomas James Homes Inc.; Dr. Lorraine Leavitt, associate professor, National University; David Beek, general manager, Island Marine Fuel; Keith Curry, former mayor, Newport Beach; Renee Pepys Lowe, entrepreneur; and Sue Sibley, community philanthropist.
Together, the board has transformed the museum into more than a repository for artifacts. It is a lively center for events like scavenger hunts, book signings, speaker series and holiday celebrations, fostering community connections. In 2024, the museum launched a $10 million capital campaign to purchase its current building.
“Our goal is to have a permanent home,” said Hoey.
Community Support
The museum’s success has been made possible through the generosity of its supporters. Early founding members, including philanthropists Julia and George Argyros, former U.S. ambassador and real estate investor; Joan and Jack Northrup, founder, The Enterprise Management Group (EMG); John Scudder, son of the founder of the Laura Scudder potato chip company; and Paula and Dr. Richard Castanon, founders, All Ear Doctors Hearing Aids, played a crucial role in its growth. Additional contributions from individuals like Jeff Gehl, co-founder/partner, Itinerant GPS, and Don Abrams, founder, Abrams Coastal Properties, as well as the City of Newport Beach and government officials, such as Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley have ensured its sustainability as a nonprofit organization.
As the only museum in Newport Beach, the Balboa Island Museum serves as an invaluable resource for preserving the area’s rich history and connecting residents and visitors alike. With its continued growth and commitment to storytelling, the museum remains a testament to the power of honoring the past while building a vibrant future.
