Upcoming Event

Night at the Museum - Diving into Tustin's early bar scene

SOLD OUT – Tickets no longer available.

Step back into the smoky lounges, neighborhood taverns, and legendary watering holes that helped shape Tustin’s past.

On August 28th, local researcher and historian Taylor Hadden shares how for generations; local bars, taverns, lounges, and restaurants served as far more than places to eat and drink.

They were gathering spots where friendships were formed, business deals were made, celebrations were held, and community history unfolded.

Upcoming Event

Night at the Museum - UFO Sightings in Orange County

Explore the mysteries overhead with local stories, historical research, and fascinating accounts over the years right here in Orange County.

Local investigator Jim Cooper describes himself as “UFO curious”. His scientific training makes him careful about claims that outrun the evidence, but he’s genuinely interested in the history of people reporting things in the sky, that they could not readily explain—particularly when those reports come from trained observers such as pilots, military personnel and police.

Celebrate with us!

Our 50th Anniversary Year!

It’s the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the Tustin Area Historical Society.
 
Come visit us at the Tustin Area Museum to enjoy all of our free exhibits and learn about the birth and growth of our city and area around t.
 
Select  Visit Us > Tour the Museum  in the navigation bar above to see a wonderful  3-D tour of our exhibits including our 1924 Fire Truck.
 
We’re located at 395 El Camino Real (just north of Main St, next to American Grub). and our hours are shown at  the bottom of this page.
Front view of the Tustin Area Museum - Tustin History
Inside view of the Tustin Area Museum showing our 1912 Buick touring car modified to be Tustin's first fire engine. The car was donated by Sam Tustin, the son of the city's founder - Tustin History

Welcome to the Web Home of the Tustin Area Historical Society and the Tustin Area Museum!

The Tustin Area Historical Society was founded in 1976 for the purpose of preserving the rich and colorful history of our local area.

Our website proudly celebrates the local history of the city of Tustin. We have some great old photos and some interesting articles and you can be sure that we will add more over time. We’re always looking for more content – articles, photos, and even old ads and printed materials. 

Our renovated museum is now open. For more on Tustin history, visit us. Our current open days are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 3 pm, and Saturdays from 11 am until 3 pm. Our location is at 395 El Camino Real at Main St.

Explore the Museum

Major Areas of Tustin History

The History of the Tustin Blimp Hangars

Current view of one of Tustin's Blimp Hangars, c2019

Latest Articles About Tustin History

Phil Cox with one of his tractors, set in front of his retail building housing the Storico restaurant.

Phil Cox

Remembering Phil Cox Phillip “Phil” Koehler Cox was born in St Joseph’s Hospital on 7/11/1937. His proud parents were Edwin “Ed’ Cox and Loela Koehler

Read More

Friends of the Tustin Area Historical Society

Online Book Store

We have a variety of books and publications regarding Tustin history. If you can’t drop by the museum, you can order online by clicking the View Store button.

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