Founded in 1980, Long Beach Heritage is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, advocacy, and education of the architectural and cultural history of Long Beach. From its earliest days, the organization sought to cultivate public appreciation for the city’s historic places and traditions.
Originally, Long Beach Heritage focused primarily on education. Through music salons, lectures, and tours held in historic homes, the organization introduced residents to the rich architectural and cultural legacy of their city. The guiding philosophy was simple: preservation begins with appreciation.
Preservation Challenges in the 1980s
By the mid-1980s, however, preservationists faced a growing challenge. Redevelopment in downtown Long Beach led to the demolition of several important historic landmarks. Among the most notable losses were the Fox Theatre, the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium, the Jergins Trust Building, and the Pacific Coast Club.
These demolitions galvanized local preservation advocates and underscored the need for stronger advocacy efforts.
The Coalition to Preserve Historic Long Beach
In response, a separate organization—the Coalition to Preserve Historic Long Beach—was formed by individuals, including some associated with Long Beach Heritage. The coalition focused on working with city officials, developers, and community members to prevent the loss of additional historic structures.
Advocates promoted strategies such as adaptive reuse, encouraging historic buildings to be restored and repurposed rather than demolished. These efforts resulted in several important preservation successes, including the protection and reuse of the Harriman Jones Medical Clinic (1930), the Walker Building (1928), Fire Station No. 9 (1938), the Fairmont Breakers Long Beach (1926), and the Masonic Temple (1903) which was designed by Henry Starbuck, the first professional architect in LB.
A Unified Preservation Voice
Recognizing that their missions complemented one another, Long Beach Heritage and the Coalition to Preserve Historic Long Beach merged in the early 1990s to form the Long Beach Heritage Coalition.
While the Historical Society of Long Beach focused primarily on archival research and historical collections, the new coalition combined education and advocacy into a single organization dedicated to protecting the city’s historic resources.
Bembridge House: A Preservation Landmark
One of Long Beach Heritage’s most visible accomplishments was the acquisition of the Bembridge House, a 1906 Victorian residence that had been threatened with demolition. The organization restored the home and established it as its headquarters and a public house museum.
Today, the Bembridge House hosts regular tours, educational programs, and community events. Partnerships with institutions such as the Billie Jean King Main Library bring children’s programs and history-focused events to the community.
The Roosevelt Base Historic District Effort
A significant preservation battle occurred in the late 1990s when the Port of Long Beach planned to demolish the Roosevelt Base Historic District on Terminal Island. The district, part of the former Long Beach Naval Station, included a remarkable 40-acre campus designed by noted architect Paul Revere Williams in association with Adrian Wilson.
Although preservation groups—including Long Beach Heritage—were ultimately unable to prevent the demolition, their advocacy achieved an important outcome. Negotiations with the United States Navy resulted in mitigation funding that established the Long Beach Navy Memorial Heritage Association (LBNMHA).
The organization was created to:
- Preserve the heritage and historic sites of Long Beach
- Recognize the contributions of the Long Beach Naval Station and Shipyard
- Honor the architectural legacy of Paul Revere Williams
Through this mitigation effort, approximately $5 million in preservation grants have supported projects across Long Beach, significantly strengthening the city’s historic preservation efforts.
Continuing the Mission
Today, Long Beach Heritage continues its work through educational programs, community events, and advocacy initiatives. Popular walking tours explore neighborhoods such as Downtown Long Beach, the East Village Arts District, Alamitos Beach, the Pine Avenue corridor, and the historic Ocean Boulevard and Pike districts.
Each year, the organization also hosts the Long Beach Heritage Preservation Awards, honoring individuals and projects that demonstrate leadership in protecting the city’s historic architecture and cultural heritage.
More than four decades after its founding, Long Beach Heritage continues to educate the public, advocate for historic resources, and celebrate the architectural legacy that shapes the identity of Long Beach.