Heritage Museum of Orange County Hosts Smithsonian's 'Journey Stories' Exhibit Oct. 5 to Nov. 16

Heritage Museum of Orange County, a unique cultural and natural history center in Southern California, plans to take visitors on a special journey into the county's colorful past when it teams up with the Smithsonian Institution mobile exhibit Oct. 5 to Nov. 16.

In conjunction with the Smithsonian and Exhibit Envoy and sponsored by the U.S. Congress, the "Journey Stories" event is part of the Museum on Main Street program held throughout the country each year.

According to Candace Chromy, HMOC executive director, the exhibit will focus on Orange County's rich history of agriculture, immigration, migration and transportation that mirrored the nation's westward expansion.

"Each week during the exhibit, we will have activities for all ages, including a vintage Wells Fargo stagecoach, a horse-drawn wagon, trolley rides, a scavenger hunt, presentations and a working steam fire engine," she said. "The HMOC also is the site of one of the last working blacksmith shops in Southern California, always a favorite attraction for visitors."

Visitors also will be treated to stories from Orange County's multi-ethnic residents who share their tales of moving from their homeland and of assimilation to their new surroundings. They will learn how various modes of transportation were introduced and influenced various cultures, how the film industry and new destinations expanded the tourism industry, Chromy added.

In addition to Wells Fargo, sponsors include the Automobile Club of Southern California and John Wayne Airport.

As part of the festivities, local genealogical societies will stage live demonstrations for visitors who want to explore their roots and find their ancestors.

The "Journey Stories" exhibit will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Heritage Museum or Orange County at 3101 W. Harvard St., just west of Fairview and south of Edinger in Santa Ana. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.