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 Upcoming OCHS Event

    Join us for a Roaring Twenties Party & Presentation at The Villa in Orange!

    You are cordially invited to “dress to impress in 20’s fashion” and attend the Annual Celebration of the Orange Community Historical Society! Enjoy a delicious dinner, light entertainment, a silent auction and a special presentation on “Al Capone in Orange County” with Historian Chris Jepsen, President of the Orange County Historical Society.

    Chris will share the riveting story of how notorious Chicago gangster Al "Scarface" Capone secretly tried to take control of much of South Orange County from 1927 to 1931 with a true life crime story including rancheros, bootlegging, and Capone's face-off with the Padres of Mission San Juan Capistrano!

  • Last OCHS Meeting

    We had a packed house at the Orange Public Library and History Center for the November OCHS General Meeting with community members in attendance and eager to learn about the lovely “Pixley House”, the Victorian home that sits on the corner of N. Olive and W. Palm! Built about 1895 for Orange pioneer D. C. Pixley, Eric Vogelvang who grew up in the house since Jr. High, took us on trip back in time, tracing Pixley's influence in Orange, as well as subsequent owners, leading to Chapman College's early years in the city.

    See the amazing video presentation Eric created highlighting the man who not only built the home, but also built the city of Orange into the 20th century with other prominent families and Orange history showcased!

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.