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The Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum

Explore the life and practice of a pioneering female doctor at this beautifully preserved Victorian home and medical museum in Santa Ana.

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Step back in time at the Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum, a beautifully restored Queen Anne Victorian home in Santa Ana. This house was once the residence and medical office of Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle, one of Orange County's first female physicians, offering a glimpse into late 19th-century life and medical practices.

A brief summary to The Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum

Local tips

  • Check the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society's website for tour schedules, as the museum is only open for tours a few times per year.
  • Consider visiting during a special event, such as the Fourth of July celebration, for an enhanced experience with themed exhibits and refreshments.
  • Take your time to explore the garden area surrounding the house for a peaceful retreat.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum is located in Downtown Santa Ana, near the Civic Center. If you are near the Old Orange County Courthouse, walk east on Santa Ana Blvd, then turn right on N Sycamore St. The Museum will be on your left, at the corner of Civic Center Dr and Sycamore. Walking time is approximately 5 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near W Civic Center Dr, including lines 57, 64, and 862. Check the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. From Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center (SARTC), take bus line 55 to Flower/Civic Center stop. Walk north on Flower St, then turn left on Civic Center Dr. The Museum will be on your left. A single fare on OCTA buses is typically $2.

  • Parking

    Metered parking is available in parking lot P5 at the southeast corner of Civic Center Drive and Broadway. The parking entrance is accessible via the eastbound lanes on Civic Center Drive. Parking costs $1.50 per hour, with a 2-hour maximum. Additional parking is available at the Civic Center Parking Structure at 690 W. Civic Center Dr. Rates are $1 per 15 minutes.

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Discover more about The Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum

The Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle House and Medical Museum, located in downtown Santa Ana, is a captivating tribute to a pioneering woman in medicine. Built in 1889, this Queen Anne-style Victorian house was home to Dr. Willella Howe-Waffle, one of Orange County's first female doctors, until her death in 1924. The house itself is a historical artifact, featuring two-and-a-half stories and twelve rooms. It was meticulously restored by the Santa Ana Historical Preservation Society after being saved from demolition in the 1970s. Today, the museum showcases period furniture, medical instruments, and personal items that belonged to Dr. Howe-Waffle, providing visitors with a unique glimpse into her life and practice. The exhibits recreate her home office and examining rooms, offering insight into the medical challenges and advancements of the late 1800s. Dr. Howe-Waffle was a dedicated physician who served her community until her death at the age of 74. She delivered over 1,000 babies and was known for her generosity and commitment to her patients. The museum stands as a testament to her courage and determination, as well as a reminder of the important role she played in the history of Orange County.

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