Orange County Focus is dedicated on Monday to analysis of community news, a look at what’s ahead and the voices of local people. : Historical Society Seeks Help, Home

The San Clemente Historical Society, in dire need of funds and looking for a new home, is seeking help from the community.

The nonprofit organization, which preserves the historical artifacts and heritage of the city, is asking for donations, especially file cabinets and preservation-quality photo albums. The treasury is down to the bare minimum, and there are fears that moving expenses will wipe out the society’s coffers, said co-president Dorothy Fuller.

“We’re hanging in there with the hope that some generous angel will give us some very much needed support,” Fuller said.

For three years, the society has operated a museum at the city-owned Casa Romantica, the historic mansion leased by local businesswoman Maureen Gates, who operates a wedding and party business there.

But last month, Gates, who has allowed the society to use the premises rent-free, asked that the organization find a new home, said Herb Wetencamp, co-president of the society.

Gates said she has given no specific move-out deadline and is allowing the society as much time as it needs to find a new home.

To help the society, the city is offering temporary storage space in a vacant office at the Community Redevelopment Center on Calle Negocio, said David Lund, director of economic development. In addition, the Vintage Restaurant has discussed the possibility of allowing the society to use its building as a museum, Wetencamp said.

“We’re seeking any kind of community support we can get,” Wetencamp added.