HISTORY

The Imperial Beach Historical Society can trace its legacy back to Author and Historian Freda Compton Elliott Adams, who wrote the book "History of Imperial Beach" initially published in 1976. Freda and local journalist Jay Robbins were named official city historians, and received the awards at the Mayor’s State of the City address on May 24, 2006. Prior to 2016, a formal historical society for the City of Imperial Beach did not exist. The Imperial Beach Women's Club had previously been involved in efforts documenting Imperial Beach history. A second book titled “Imperial Beach, California: A Pictorial History” was written by Julie M. Walke in 2006 to celebrate the city's fiftieth anniversary and expanded on Freda's original effort.

In 2016 councilmember Lorie Bragg received a collection of papers, notebooks, and related items that belonged to Freda Compton Elliott Adams, who passed away in April of 2013. As a result, an informal group of residents interested preserving, documenting, and displaying information and artifacts about the history of Imperial Beach was organized. They formed the basis for the Imperial Beach Historical Society.

This group was involved with the organization that was planning the sixtieth birthday celebration of the City Imperial Beach to be held along with the 2016 Sun & Sea Festival. Lorie sent out a request to anyone who would be able to assist and to add information and history. They met at city hall. Lorie also had several boxes of Imperial Beach memorabilia that the city had stored and also items that had been rescued from a dumpster. The original group met regularly before the birthday celebration to sort, discuss and create some sort of display.

During the planning of the 60th Birthday event, they decided to set up an organized historical society. All of the items that had been accumulated formed the basis for the original inventory, which has now grown considerably. At last count, there are over 800 inventoried items.

Also in 2016, this group joined with the South Bay Historical Society to benefit from the established structure and 501(c)(3) status as a non-profit organization. They regularly set up a booth featuring newspaper articles, photographs, and other memorabilia related to local history at the Mayor’s Breakfast, a tradition that had started with Freda years ago. There would be displays at city hall and a booth would be staffed at various events throughout the city to educate residents about the society and to showcase historical artifacts. A Facebook group was also created for information sharing.

In 2017 the Imperial Beach Historical Society officially became an independent organization and received their 501(c)(3) Non-Profit designation from the State of California. The By-Laws were also finalized and filed with the State. Participation in city events continued with a booth showcasing Imperial Beach history, including two popular aerial photographs of the city from 1956, the year Imperial Beach was incorporated. The web page went live in September of 2019.

During the coronavirus period, public events were limited by COVID-19 restrictions. Historical items and memorabilia continued to be collected and archived, with many items donated by the public. The Facebook Group remained active providing continuity, as well as a forum for sharing and discussions. Virtual events and projects hosted by the city and local groups were also supported, including historical trivia for IBactive and historical content and photos for the IB Arts Bureau.

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