Collection Guide
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Collection of Materials Related to Marineland
002
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Palos Verdes Library District, Peninsula Center Library. Local History Center.
Title: Collection of Materials Related to Marineland
Identifier/Call Number: 002
Physical Description:
.45 Cubic Feet
Date (inclusive): 1950-2010
Abstract: Collection of photos, brochures and clippings related to Marineland of the Pacific (Marineland), built on 65 acres of prime
oceanfront property known as Long Point on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Open for research. Advance notice required for access. Contact the Local History Center for access information.
The collection is open for research use.
[Name of item], Collection of Materials Related to Marineland (Collection 002). Local History Center, Peninsula Center Library,
Palos Verdes Library District, Rolling Hills Estates, CA.
Marineland was built on land purchased from the Palos Verdes Corporation in 1953. It opened a year later on August 28, 1954.
Marineland was famous for its performing orcas, Orky and Corky. Marineland was also known for its Baja Reef concept, a first-of-its-kind
swim through aquarium featuring a wide array of sea life. In addition to the orcas, a pilot whale (“Bubbles”), dolphins, sea
lions, harbor seals and sharks, a number of other sea creatures were housed in its entertainment and research facilities.
In December 1986, Harcourt, Brace, Jovanovich (HBJ) purchased Marineland and soon after moved the two orcas to SeaWorld’s
San Diego facility. HBJ closed the park six weeks later on February 11, 1987. Much of the buildings were left abandoned
for nearly twenty years until in 2005 development began on the Terranea Resort.
The collection is organized into three series: Clippings, 1950-2010, arranged chronologically; Visual Materials, arranged
by material type; and Promotional Materials.
Collection includes newspaper clippings, park pamphlets, postcards, brochures, photos, slides, a family album, and a DVD of
footage from the park opening.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Clippings compiled by the Palos Verdes Library District. Photos, postcards, site brochures donated by Mark Grindle. Photocopy
of album courtesy the William Monahan Family.
Initial rehousing, stabilization, timeline and description of materials by Local History Center volunteer Marlene Goering,
2008. Final arrangement and description by Stella Castillo, 2016.
Point Vicente Interpretive Center Docent Research Papers (#160, #141), Local History Center.
Marineland of the Pacific Historical Society - www.marinelandofthepacific.org
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Marineland of the Pacific (Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.)
Amusement parks -- California
Public marine aquariums -- California
Real estate development -- California