Phone: (310) 374-7575

Cottage Address: 1601 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, California 90266

Mailing Address: Post Office Box 3355, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

E-mail: Questions regarding local history at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The mission of the Manhattan Beach Historical Society (MBHS) is to honor the people who came before us by collecting, preserving, documenting, researching and displaying the city's rich history to ensure that its significance will be appreciated for generations to come.

The museum within the historic beach cottage is normally open from 12 noon to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.  There is no admission charge to the museum, although contributions are encouraged and appreciated.  The non-profit Society consists of all-volunteer help. Its main purpose is to educate citizens on the history of Manhattan Beach.  The Society uses the following teaching tools: artifact and photo displays, books, videos, films, old newspaper articles, and recordings of history.  The Society holds free monthly meetings with qualified speakers covering various subjects from our past and we have a monthly newsletter which members participate in by writing us.  The Society has published two hard cover pictorial history books: Manhattan Beach 90266 and I'll Take Manhattan and a series of monographs and brochures, tracing the growth of the city.  Free information flyers for the public, old memorabilia and knowledgeable docents are the teaching tools of the Society.  Museum facilities include a bookstore, gift shop, resource room, and small theatre.