​​VISION STATEMENT

A Wilmington that celebrates and preserves its history and architectural heritage to enhance the community today and for future generations.

Photograph of Banning Park.

MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of the Wilmington Historical Society is to preserve our community’s history and to help create a better future. We pursue this mission through these primary activities:
 

• Collect, archive, and educate.
• Be a resource for researchers.
• Preserve and restore  historic buildings and sites.
• Provide input to City planning decisions.
• Promote community and economic development based on our historical assets.
• Be an enjoyable opportunity to contribute to the community.

From stagecoaches to trains, our history progressed
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The marvelous reproduction of the Banning stagecoach, “The Challenger”, as it passes in front of the Don Hotel. “The Challenger” resides at the Banning Museum. 

A Brief History and Organization of the Society

A group of residents, led by Loraine Roberts of the Banning Park neighborhood, formed the Wilmington Historical Society in an effort to preserve what remains of Wilmington's historic structures and gather photographs and information about what is already gone.

Photograph of the exterior of the former Los Angeles Public Library Wilmington Branch building. The Auditorium now houses the Wilmington Historical Society archives.