The La Mesa Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of its community to educate future generations. The society was founded on May 18, 1978, with a mission “to collect, preserve, exhibit and promote an understanding of the history of La Mesa”.
The museum houses over 10,000 artifacts that are representative of the rich cultural heritage that has existed in this region for centuries. Its exhibits include military uniforms from World War II through Vietnam; life-size wax figures depicting scenes from pioneer days; antique furniture; early photographs including stereoscopes dating back to 1880s; artwork by local artists as well as paintings by Diego Rivera who spent time at his friend’s home located in what is now part of La Mesa Village.
The La Mesa Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and exhibiting history.
The organization was started in 2005 to educate future generations about the history of their community.
The historical society is known for its annual open house. This event takes place every year on the fourth Saturday of October and includes many different exhibits that are rotated each year. Some notable exhibits include “La Pachanga” which is a recreation of a Mexican fiesta that took place in La Mesa shortly after the turn of the century, and “Old Toys” where visitors can see hundreds of antique toys from a time before electronic entertainment.
We are located on University Avenue near La Mesa Blvd in downtown La Mesa, CA
The Mesa Historical Society is housed in a large building with two stories and a brick exterior. To the right of the front door, there are three tall display cases full of historical artifacts – one for each floor. Every time I’ve gone to speak with someone at the society, they have welcomed me warmly and directed me toward who I needed to talk to. As I sit down in the front room of the building, my eyes are drawn toward a large display case on the wall near me, filled with old books and photos.
Our mission is to preserve our city’s unique history by collecting documents, photographs, oral histories, artifacts, and other materials that document the past.
The La Mesa Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of its community to educate future generations. The society’s mission states that it “collects, preserves, interprets, exhibits and makes accessible materials to demonstrate history.”
The La Mesa Historical Society began as a small group of passionate history lovers who wished to preserve their city’s heritage. In 1958, the City of La Mesa gave the society a small room in old firehouse for its museum and research center. Today it is known as The Casa de la Mesa History House, which also serves as the society’s headquarters.
Our exhibits explore the diverse lifestyles of people who have lived here since 1869.
Exhibits are primarily non-textual. They include things like an interactive map of old la mesa, a large display on the history of la mesa’s ranches, and advertisements for local businesses.
The La Mesa Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of its community to educate future generations. The Society is located in the former home of Will and Mary Ahern on Main Street. The Aherns were a well-known family in La Mesa who contributed greatly to the City’s development.
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The La Mesa Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the history of its community to educate future generations. The society hosts several projects that include exhibits, speakers, guided tours, symposiums, workshops, and seminars. Over the decades, society has donated thousands of photographs, postcards, and other historical artifacts to libraries and museums in La Mesa. The society hosts community events such as the annual house and garden tour which allows neighbors to view Victorian-style homes, built-in 1887 when La Mesa was founded, and restored country cottages surrounded by Asian-inspired gardens that highlight native plants of San Diego.
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