The Torrance Historical Society and Museum was founded in 1973, and the Museum opened its doors in 1979.

The Post Avenue Library (built in 1936) closed when the City of Torrance opened the Civic Center Library (Katy Geissert Library). Shortly thereafter the Torrance Historical Society opened a museum in the historic building. The Society has an ever increasing collection of local history and a state-of-the-art archive. There are permanent exhibits, as well as changing exhibits that vary.

The mission of the Torrance Historical Society 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 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.

The primary fund-raiser and signature event for the Torrance Historical Society is its biennial "Original Fall Tour of Old Torrance Historic Homes" - a long-standing tradition in the City of Torrance since 1980. This is held on even years during the second weekend of October. Please see the Events page for a list of current and upcoming events with the Torrance Historical Society.

Each year, on Monday, Memorial Day, the Torrance Historical Society conducts a memorial service, which includes the reading of the 146 Names on the Torrance Veterans' Memorial Wall, for Torrance service personnel who gave their lives in U. S. military actions. In 2015, those Names include war losses from World War I to those in the Iraq and Afghanistan War. It is is at the City of Torrance Veterans' Memorial Wall at Memorial Plaza, Torrance Blvd. at Maple.

The Torrance Historical Society also hosts walking tours of Old Torrance (founded 1912) on the fourth Sunday of every month, May - October. The walks feature a variety of historical sites.

The Torrance Historical Society along with the Old Torrance Neighborhood Association hosts an annual fun, family-oriented free event the third Thursday of July called Rock Around the Block. This event is a fund raiser for the Torrance Historical Society. This event also celebrates Torrance's All-America City Award - one of America's original and most prestigious community recognition awards. Torrance received this award for "Growth without strain" back in 1956 when Albert Isen was Mayor of Torrance.

All persons interested in local heritage are invited and encouraged to become members of the Torrance Historical Society. Please fill out and return a membership application.

The Museum is free and open to the public. See Contact Us for current hours and see the Events page for upcoming events. For in-depth research and private tours, please contact us via the contact us link or call for an appointment (310) 328-5392.

The Torrance Historical Society is the proud recipient of the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce Business award of "Non-Profit of the Year in 2015". It was presented at the Business Award Celebration Lunch held on Thursday, June 11, 2015 at the Doubletree by Hilton in Torrance.

Glenn Sakamoto, Creative Director of Sakamoto Design + Brand Strategy, designed the New Torrance Historical Society & Museum Logo in 2007. The logo focuses on the historic bridge over Torrance Boulevard, but also evokes the balanced city concept reflected in the Olmsted design, as well as the greater horizon of California.