Fresh from a major statewide historic designation, the Costa Mesa Historical Society is honored to present H. Ernie Nishii, president of the Historic Wintersburg Conservancy, for a timely and important speakers program on Saturday, March 14, at 2 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.) at Norma Hertzog Community Center, 1845 Park Ave., Costa Mesa.
On Jan. 2, 2026, Historic Wintersburg was officially listed on the California Register of Historical Resources, recognizing it as one of the most significant surviving sites associated with Japanese American history in Orange County. This rare designation affirms decades of community advocacy and places Historic Wintersburg among the state’s most important historic places worthy of preservation and public attention.
During this program, Nishii will share the story of Historic Wintersburg, a 4.5-acre historic district in Huntington Beach that includes the 1934 Japanese Presbyterian Church of Wintersburg and early 20th-century farm structures associated with the Furuta family. Together, these buildings represent a rare surviving remnant of Japanese American church and farm life before and after World War II, including the forced incarceration of community members during the war.
The designation comes at a critical moment. While the State Historical Resources Commission also recommended the site for the National Register of Historic Places, the listing was ultimately blocked due to property ownership issues, and the site remains endangered after decades of vacancy, neglect, and the loss of buildings to fire. The future of Historic Wintersburg is still being written.
This program offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the leaders at the center of this effort, learn why Historic Wintersburg matters, and understand what preservation can mean for the future of our shared local history.
Free for members with RSVP: https://costamesahistory.org/rsvp/
$15 for non-members with RSVP: https://costamesahistory.org/non-member-rsvps/
To become a member: https://costamesahistory.org/contribute/membership/
Seating is limited and early arrival is encouraged.