Sunday, November 2, 2025
1 – 4 pm
Join us for Sigler Park Day at the Museum, hosted by Cipriano and Rosemary Hernandez. They will share stories of growing up in Westminster and the many memories made at Sigler Park. We will have a slideshow, refreshments, and snacks. As part of the celebration, we will also dedicate the beautiful diorama created by Cipriano Hernandez. We warmly welcome everyone, and especially anyone who remembers spending time at Sigler Park, to come and be part of this special day of community and remembrance.
Sigler Park is one of the oldest parks in Orange County, with roots dating back to the 1870s when Westminster was founded as a Presbyterian temperance colony. In 1872, Rev. Lemuel Webber submitted the first map of the town, and Stearns Ranchos Co. set aside about eight acres for a church, school, and central plaza. This land was intended to serve the community but went undeveloped for decades and was even mistakenly taken by the County of Orange for taxes that were never owed.
For years, the site remained Westminster’s central plaza—a kind of “no man’s land.” Yet it was still the heart of the community, home to the first school and surrounded by early churches. In the late 1920s, a branch of the Orange County Public Library was built on the property, and during the Depression and after World War II it became a lively gathering spot, hosting Boy Scout meetings, community worship services, and countless baseball games, including a thriving Mexican American league in the 1930s and 40s.Councilman Eldon Gillespie and guestsLibrary, most likely circa late 1940s
The turning point came in the early 1930s when, under the leadership of Charles Sigler, county funds were finally used to develop the plaza into a true park. After his passing in 1934, Westminster residents petitioned to name it Sigler Park in his honor. When the City of Westminster incorporated in 1957, it worked to acquire all of the subdivided land around the park, and in 1960 the County of Orange formally returned the property to the city.
You are invited to our annual summer Ice Cream Social at Westminster Historical Society
Sunday, June 1, 2025
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Museum Building
8612 Westminster Boulevard
Westminster, CA
Please come and see all the wonderful work we have been doing, enjoy ice cream, and visit with our special community.
Join us for the unveiling of an original 1976 Shutter Shak, a stunning example of “California Crazy” roadside architecture. This unique structure, once a beloved photo film developing hub, will be on display alongside an exhibition of vintage cameras, celebrating the artistry and history of photography.
Sunday, May 4, 2025
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Westminster Historical Society
8612 Westminster Blvd in Westminster, CA
Experience a rare piece of architectural nostalgia and immerse yourself in the golden era of photography. This event offers a unique opportunity for architecture buffs, photography enthusiasts, and lovers of Americana to step back in time and explore the intersection of design and culture.
Join us for our barnyard sale on Saturday and Sunday, November 2 and 3, 2024.
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
8612 Westminster Boulevard
Westminster, CA
We ask for your help with donations or by attending and finding something you need.
If you have any questions about donating items, and to arrange drop off/pick up, please call President Harry Paul 714 -334-7550 or email: harrypaul@socal.rr.com
We will have tools and tool boxes, dishes, jewelry and jewelry boxes, kitchen items, and objects of art for sale.
We look forward to seeing you!
Sign up for our newsletter to learn of upcoming special events!
In Honor of the 50th Anniversary
of the Westminster Historical Society
Sunday, June 23, 2024
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Museum Building
8612 Westminster Boulevard
Westminster, CA
Join us for ice cream, treats, community, and a slide show of all the accomplishments of the Society in the last 50 years. We look forward to seeing you!
Parking is available in a big lot in the rear of the property, behind the barn.
You are invited to a HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE
at the Westminster Historical Society Museum
8612 Westminster Blvd.
Westminster CA.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2023
1 p.m. TO 4 P.M.
Come any time and stay as long as you please, enjoy refreshments, and music.
Please bring an unwrapped toy for a child in need to enjoy. There is parking in rear.
Westminster Historical Society 