The Seal Beach Historical Society is making improvements to the Red Car Museum, according to a recent unsigned email from the Historical Society. The Red Car Museum a repurposed railroad car, is located in Old Town, on the Green Belt near the Mary Wilson branch of the Orange County Library. This was news to District One Councilman Joe Kalmick.
“The improvement of the museum is in progress,” wrote the Historical Society in an Aug. 14 email to the Sun.
“This is the first I’ve heard about it, and I doubt if the City has either. It will be interesting to see where this leads,” wrote Kalmick in an email.
Assistant City Manager Patrick Gallegos on Aug. 20, said the city had not received any permit applications as yet from the Historical Society. He acknowledged that some work could be done on the Red Car without a permit.
The Red Car Museum belongs to the Seal Beach Historical Society. The society leases the land on which the museum stands from the city of Seal Beach.
The Sun in May asked the Historical Society some questions about the Red Car. According to the Historical Society’s Aug. 14 email, the answers have not changed since then.
Sun News: “What are the Museum’s regular dates and hours of operation?
Seal Beach Historical Society Red Car Museum: “This information can be found on the front door of the museum. We are open the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 12 – 3 p.m. unless stated otherwise either on the door and/or on Facebook. We are all volunteers so it’s not always a guarantee since things do come up (People do experience sickness or have other obligations scheduled). Also, if our number of volunteers per Saturday we are open is not met, then we do not open. For those who don’t live local: it’s wise to call, email us, or check our Facebook page ahead of time to make sure we will be open.”
Sun News: “Is the Historical Society looking for volunteers?”
Historical Society: “We are always looking for volunteers. Anyone 14 and up is welcome to become a volunteer. Those who are interested in volunteering need to contact our president by calling or emailing us. They are also welcome to stop by the museum during our open hours. However, she may not always be there. So calling or emailing is preferred.”
Sun News: “Where can people send contributions to the Red Car Museum?”
Historical Society: “This information can be found on the front door of the museum as well or below in our signature. Contributions can be sent to P.O. Box 152 Seal Beach, CA 90740. Checks can be made out to SBHS/Red Car Museum.”
Sun News: “Are there any plans to renovate the Museum?
Historical Society: “Yes, hopefully soon. We are currently working on raising the money for the supplies.”
Sun News: “How many volunteers are required to serve visitors to the Museum when it is open?
When was the last time the Museum was painted?
When is the Historical Society’s lease for the land on which the Museum stands up for renewal?”
Historical Society: “This information is only contributed within the society.”
