With its blue waters, white sands, and seaside bungalows, Crystal Cove is one of Orange County’s most beloved stretches of coastline. Crystal Cove and the California Dream traces the area’s rich history, with a special focus on the community efforts to preserve its historic cottages for public enjoyment.
Drawing from UC Irvine Libraries’ Laura Davick Crystal Cove Historical Archive and Orange County Regional History Collections, the exhibit also tells tales of Prohibition, the Golden Age of Hollywood, and World War II. Featuring historical photographs, records, and artifacts, the exhibit brings Crystal Cove’s stories to life, celebrating a place where California history, community, and the natural environment meet at the water’s edge.
Curated by Nicole Arnold, Stephen Anderson, Cheryl Baltes, Cynthia Johnson, Jennifer Stout
Edited by Cheryl Baltes and Jennifer Stout
Designed by Allan Helmick and Sylvia Irving
Exhibit is on display in the Langson Library from November 2026 through March 2027 regular library hours
At the University of California, Irvine, providing a culture of inclusion and equal opportunity is a campus commitment. If you have difficulty accessing the photos posted to UC Irvine Libraries' Flickr albums, please email partners@uci.edu.