The Torrance Historical Society & Museum

Note - The Torrance Historical Society & Museum and the OTNA are unique and separate organizations. However, both groups are nonprofit, have the common goal of supporting the community, and are volunteer-run organizations.

The Torrance Historical Society & and Museum provided the description below and has approved its use on the OTNA website.

The Torrance Historical Society was founded in 1973, and the Museum opened its doors in 1979. The purpose for which the Torrance Historical Society was formed is to promote interest in and education in the history of Torrance and the San Pedro Rancho to promote historical research in Torrance; to collect, acquire, preserve, conserve and make available records, data, photographs, oral history, and related documents and information bearing on the history of Torrance through the operation of a museum and archives.

The Torrance Historical Society's mission includes the promotion of history through a Plaque Program, by placing bronze plaques on significant historic landmarks throughout our community. This program is widely recognized, and has been ongoing for the past 20 years.

Annual memberships are renewable in February.

The Torrance Historical Society & Museum is open free to the public. The Museum hours fluctuate. Please check the Torrance Historical Society & Museum website and contact the Museum to verify when the museum is open. Special hours can be arranged for private tours and/or research. For additional information, please contact the Museum at (310) 328-5392.

Original Tour of Historic Homes - since 1980
Saturday & Sunday, second weekend in October on even-numbered years
11:00am - 4:00pm
No reservations required

The primary fund-raiser and signature event for the Torrance Historical Society is its biennial Tour of Historic Homes - a long standing tradition in the City of Torrance since 1980. This event is held on even years the second weekend in October. Proceeds from the fund-raiser directly benefit the Museum - archiving activities, historical discoveries, research projects, special programs, its operation and exhibits.

For additional information or any questions please check the THS website directly, or fill out the form on the THS contact us page, or call (310) 328-5392.

Other Events

See the Torrance Historical Society & Museum website for additional events.

Walking tours of Downtown Torrance

Walking tour noting historical sites on the fourth Sunday of every month, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Free tour starts at the Museum. Wear comfy walking shoes. No reservations necessary. The tour leaves the museum promptly at 1:30pm. It covers about eight blocks of flat land and lasts approximately 90 minutes.