Newport Beach in Orange County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Welcome to the Balboa Island Museum
Photographed by Adam Margolis, November 15, 2015
1. Welcome to the Balboa Island Museum Marker
Balboa Island was literally lifted from the sea due to the efforts of William Steppe Collins. In 1906, Collins began dredging around a two acre mud flat in Newport Bay, and within a few years he had created the 160 acre residential island that exists today - Balboa Island.
The Balboa Island Museum & Historical Society was founded in 2000 to preserve the Island heritage and its sense of community. The Museum moved to this location in 2010 as a result of the generosity and support of the City of Newport Beach and local residents.
Come inside and discover over 100 years of amazing historic facts that tell the story of our Island.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 33° 36.489′ N, 117° 53.395′ W. Marker was in Newport Beach, California, in Orange County. It was at the intersection of Marine Avenue and North Bay Front, on the right when traveling south on Marine Avenue. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 327 Marine Avenue, Newport Beach CA 92662, United States of America.
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in Greater Los Angeles and in the Peninsular Ranges. It was also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it was in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it found itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: First Ferry Service Between Balboa and Balboa Island (approx. half a mile away); Balboa Pavilion (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Balboa Pavilion (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Balboa Pavilion (approx. 0.7 miles away); Pizza Pete's Cafe (approx. 0.7 miles away); Balboa Village (approx. 0.7 miles away); Balboa Saloon (approx. 0.7 miles away); First Water-to-Water Flight (approx. Ύ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Newport Beach.
Additional commentary.
1. Museum relocated to 210 Marine Ave.
The round plaque is still there, but as of 2018 the museum has now relocated down the street to 210 Marine Ave.
— Submitted March 10, 2025, by Tatiana Zavala of Orange County, California.
Photographed by Adam Margolis, November 15, 2015
2. Balboa Island Historical Society, circa 1926 Medallion
Photographed by Adam Margolis, November 15, 2015
3. Welcome to the Balboa Island Museum Marker
Photographed by Adam Margolis, November 15, 2015
4. Welcome to the Balboa Island Museum Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 13, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 10, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 423 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 10, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
