The Crowd: Newport Beach Museum, Balboa Island, has a new name and an expanded mission
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The Balboa Island Museum announced it is officially changing its name to Newport Beach Museum, Balboa Island.
Marking a significant milestone in the museum’s evolution, and its expanding role within the greater Newport community, the museum’s new sign was officially unveiled Aug. 12 during a community celebration event.
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Staff, board members, museum leaders and community members in attendance for the naming celebration included founder and chief executive Shirley Pepys, museum board chair John Conners and his wife, Diana, board member and Keith Curry and his wife, Pamela.
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Also front and center were Dan and Barbara Abbott, Sue Sibley, David Beek, Dennis Bress, Lorraine Leavitt, Renee Pepys Lowe and husband, Stan, and Cynthia Shafer.
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Guests converged at sunset for a reception serviced by Saltwater Catering then moved outside on to Marine Avenue for the reveal of the new sign declaring, Newport Beach Museum, Balboa Island.
Newport Beach Mayor Lauren Kleiman was on hand to cut the red satin ribbon, joining Pepys at the front door. Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley provided a proclamation delivered to the large crowd on the sidewalk by her associate Robbie LaBounty.
Applause rang out, and guests moved inside for toasts.
Founded in 2014, the museum has grown from a small island history center into a regional institution that preserves, celebrates and shares the stories of Newport Beach, its neighborhoods and its maritime heritage, as well as the larger Orange County region.
The broader, more-inclusive name reflects that expanded focus and positions the museum for greater grant and fundraising opportunities by inviting the entire Newport community to identify with the its mission and support its long-term sustainability.
Also spotted in the upbeat assemblage were Councilmember Robyn Grant, Jack Callahan, Maralou Harrington, Katrin Kask, Milvi Vanderslice, John Scudder, Maxine Czinsky and Dana Kanne.
“While our roots will always be on Balboa Island, our mission and impact has grown far beyond,” Pepys said. “This name change honors where we began while embracing the entire demographic we serve. It also opens doors to new funding opportunities that will help us expand programs, strengthen partnerships and continue preserving the history that connects all of Newport Beach.”
The museum welcomes 90,000 visitors each year, with 25% coming from after-school programs, elementary classrooms and ESL programs. Its commitment to education continues to grow through new partnerships and grant-funded initiatives.
Recently, the museum received an educational grant from the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor to create, print and distribute local history pamphlets to 23 third-grade classrooms across the Newport Mesa School District. Each student will receive a booklet introducing them to the history of their community, while teachers will receive companion guides.
Distribution will begin at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
“This grant allows us to impact students at a formative age,” Pepys said. “Understanding where you come from builds identity, curiosity and a sense of belonging. We’re honored to help bring local history directly into Newport classrooms.”
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As part of its expanded programming, the museum is launching a new exhibit in collaboration with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, highlighting the Laguna Beach organization’s work rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing marine mammals along the Southern California coast. The exhibit will offer hands-on learning opportunities for families, students and visitors of all ages, and will run through the end of this year.
The museum also continues to pursue long-term goals, including purchasing the 99-year-old historic building that houses the museum.
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“Our story is still being written,” Pepys said. “With the support of our members, donors and the entire Newport Beach community, we are preserving the past while building a meaningful future.”
To learn more about membership opportunities and future events, visit www.nbmuseum.org.
