Moulton Family Foundation president Jared Mathis and Moulton Museum Executive Director Dr. Elisabeth Lange will discuss the history of the historic Moulton Ranch at the next meeting of the Orange County Historical Society, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, 7:30 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2400 N. Canal St., in Orange. The public is welcome!
photo courtesy of Moulton Family Foundation
In this illustrated lecture, the origins, growth, and eventual breakup of the Moulton Ranch operations will be brought to life, from the sheep herding beginnings to the cattle-raising end. Along the way, you’ll gain insights into the personality and character of Lewis Moulton and Nellie Gail Moulton, two pioneers of Orange County history, and their interactions with historical figures like James Irvine, Judge Richard Egan, and artist Edgar Payne. Come hear how the story of the Moulton Ranch influenced the development of Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and Mission Viejo.
photo courtesy of Moulton Family Foundation
Jared Mathis is the President of the Moulton Family Foundation, and a leader in the cultural and education ecosystem of South Orange County. He was recently awarded the Madame Modjeska Visionary Leadership award from ArtsOC for his many philanthropic endeavors. His efforts uphold the family legacy of Lewis and Nellie Gail Moulton; he is one of their great-grandchildren and along with the rest of his family, actively supports the preservation of history and art in South Orange County, including the ranching heritage. He grew up on a ranch outside of Sacramento and has been in the commercial real estate field for most of his professional life.
A graduate of Mission Viejo High School, Dr. Elisabeth Lange went on to earn a PhD in Scandinavian Languages and Literature from U.C. Berkeley. She has been working in the museum field for over 30 years, first as a curator of an exhibition about the Vikings, then at a Scandinavian heritage museum in the Pacific Northwest, before focusing on local history museums. She became the Executive Director of the Moulton Museum in May of 2024, and is excited to be contributing to her hometown area historical awareness and preservation efforts.
Please join the Society and welcome Moulton Family Foundation president Jared Mathis and Moulton Museum Executive Director Dr. Elisabeth Lange as they bring the rich story of the historic Moulton Ranch to life at the next meeting of the Orange County Historical Society, on Thursday, January 8, 2026, 7:30 p.m., at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2400 N. Canal St., in Orange. The public is welcome!
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