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
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Next FREE OCHS Event
During this FREE community program hear how the Orange local Ramirez family (along with other members of the Estrada, Guzman & Palomino families) played a prominent role in the landmark 1947 federal Mexican American school segregation case that paved the way for national racial desegregation.
The Ramirez family knew firsthand that the education they received in the Mexican School at Lincoln Elementary may have been separate, but it certainly wasn’t equal. Michael Ramirez attended both Lincoln Elementary and Jordan Elementary, which was built to eliminate the memory of segregation and he continues to preserve the legacy of his parents legacy having founded the Et Al Committee.
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Last OCHS Program
Our largest public program ever! The Library Community Room was filled with capacity as people came to 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 shared personal ghost stories from his early years in Orange while tour guide Valerie Brewster brought her tales as the longtime docent for the original Old Towne Orange Haunted OC Ghost Walk, highlighting a few of the tour’s most popular stops, sharing chilling legends and local history that continue to captivate guests today.
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.
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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.