Museum volunteer always answers call

Simon Brown

Whenever the Balboa Island Historical Society and Museum is in need,

Peggy Marotta answers the call.

“She’s always ready, willing and able to help under all

circumstances,” Craig Page, president of the Balboa Island Historical

Society, said. “If you ever need something done, give her a call, and

there is never a refusal.”

Marotta, 73, is a founding member of the Balboa Island Museum,

which was created in 1999. She remains a board member and serves as a

museum docent two hours each week. Marotta, who says she has no prior

experience with history, chose to become involved with the museum

because she was a friend of Pat Buderwitz, the primary founder.

“I wasn’t really a historian, but I got into it, and I really

enjoy working here,” she said.

The part Marotta enjoys most is “talking to the people [who visit

the museum] because some of them come from other states. I like to

find out where they’re from.”

But Marotta does more than make the museum experience more

enjoyable for visitors; she helps keep it running. Funding has always

been a problem for the museum, Marotta said, so she decided to help

organize a historic home tour as a fundraiser.

The May 2 tour featured homes and cottages built prior to 1945,

which “retain the same structure and street presence as when they

were built,” Page said.

The fundraiser was so successful that Page has decided to make the

historic home tour an annual event.

In addition to her work with the museum, Marotta has also served

as chairwoman of the Balboa Island Beautification Committee.

“I’m real active in the community,” Marotta said. “I love being

involved.”

Marotta is dedicated to the Balboa Island community because she

fell in love with it as a teenager. Although born in Whittier,

Marotta’s family rented a home on Balboa Island when she was in high

school.

After living in Hacienda Heights and Brea as an adult, Marotta

moved to the island for good in 1985, after the death of her husband.

“I hope that I’ll be here forever,” she said. “You’re going to

have to carry me out on a stretcher. That’s the only way I’m going to

leave this island.”

The Balboa Island Historical Society and Museum, located at 502 S.

Bayfront St., is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesdays and

Saturdays.