About OCHS

The Orange Community Historical Society (OCHS) was founded in 1973 and serves as the focal point for those interested in the history of Orange and its surrounding area. The OCHS and its members host events, and contribute to many community activities by providing information about our heritage and by supplying written and photographic resources for those wishing to learn more about our legacy.

We welcome everyone! Join us today.

OCHS Events

  • Next FREE OCHS Event

    See the spooky side of Orange with OCHS and discover the origins of Haunted Orange County with founder Ernie Alonzo, a third-generation Orange resident whose family settled in Old Towne in the 1920s. 

    During this FREE community program Ernie will share personal ghost stories from his early years in Orange.

    Valerie Brewster will also bring her tales as the longtime docent for the original Old Towne Orange Haunted OC Ghost Walk and will highlight a few of the tour’s most popular stops, sharing chilling legends and local history that continue to captivate guests today. 

    More Event Info

  • Last OCHS Program

    The Library Community Room was packed FULL of our guests there to take a free guided journey exploring “The Histories and Mysteries of Black Star Canyon & Irvine Park”…all without leaving their seats!  

    OCHS and local historian, speaker and naturalist Joel Robinson (@NaturalistForYou) took us on a unique tour through time from the beginning of the strange and interesting past of the areas that came to be known as Black Star Canyon and its neighboring Irvine Park. 

    It was perfect for the nature lover and history enthusiast alike, this presentation showcased local history from a local expert!

    Details!
All OCHS Events

OCHS Mission

The mission of the Orange Community Historical Society is to commemorate the rich heritage of the City of Orange community. Our purpose is to promote research, events, activities and programs celebrating Orange history; sponsor local history endeavors; and remain self-supporting through memberships, donation bequests and special projects while collecting photographs, written materials and related ephemera and making them available to the public.

Join OCHS &
Take Action

Ready to take the next step? You can become a member, and participate in our mission of collecting and preserving history and our area’s rich heritage.