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Coronado Historical Association

Coronado Historical Association Come explore the history of beautiful Coronado Island, California at the Coronado Historical Associa Visit https://coronadohistory.org/shop/ to order. Thank you!

The Coronado Historical Association is happy to announce that our galleries and store are open. Our programs and research services continue to be actively available. You can find more information about these initiatives at www.coronadohistory.org. Like many cultural organizations around the country, CHA experienced significant revenue loss due to the pandemic. We need your support. Please consider

making a tax-deductible donation to support the continued preservation of our community's history. Donate today at https://coronadohistory.org/donations/.

Operating as usual

You can find this beautiful piece of art at the CHA store! Come by and see everything local artists are displaying!
03/18/2023

You can find this beautiful piece of art at the CHA store! Come by and see everything local artists are displaying!

Happy St. Patricks Day! Who remembers the Coronado favorite "The Irish Craftsman"?
03/17/2023

Happy St. Patricks Day! Who remembers the Coronado favorite "The Irish Craftsman"?

CHA is excited to announce that the Coronado Tennis Association is sponsoring next week's Wine & Lecture by local Corona...
03/16/2023

CHA is excited to announce that the Coronado Tennis Association is sponsoring next week's Wine & Lecture by local Coronadan and award-winning New York Times tennis & global sports correspondent Christopher Clarey who will speak on his NYT Best Selling Book, The Master, a biography of Roger Federer.

Coronado POW and MIA wives such as Sybil Stockdale and Pat Mearns were unwavering and steadfast. Their narratives are th...
03/15/2023

Coronado POW and MIA wives such as Sybil Stockdale and Pat Mearns were unwavering and steadfast. Their narratives are the quintessential American story. Learn how a group of women persevered against all odds.

 Thank you, San Diego Central Library, for highlighting Clara Breed.
03/15/2023


Thank you, San Diego Central Library, for highlighting Clara Breed.

We're celebrating San Diego women who have made a difference during . Clara Breed worked for the San Diego Public Library for 42 years and is best known for her advocacy on behalf of Japanese Americans incarcerated during World War II. During her 25 years as head librarian, she expanded the City’s library system, promoted youth services and encouraged libraries to build multicultural collections. Learn more about Clara Breed here https://bit.ly/3mJFzvm

Nothing says being proud of your city like displaying it on your car! Swing by for your own crown city license plate hol...
03/14/2023

Nothing says being proud of your city like displaying it on your car! Swing by for your own crown city license plate holder at the CHA store!

 in 1973, another group of American POWs were released to return home from Vietnam. Colonel Hal Kushner, who is featured...
03/13/2023
Hal Kushner: Life as a POW

in 1973, another group of American POWs were released to return home from Vietnam. Colonel Hal Kushner, who is featured in CHA's current exhibit Open Doors, was among those released. Stop by the museum to learn more.

Hal Kushner talks about his life as a POW, the comrades he lost and what The Wall means to him.

The Opening Reception for the Cherished Memories of Our Enchanted Island exhibit is today at 2 p.m. at the . Be sure to ...
03/12/2023

The Opening Reception for the Cherished Memories of Our Enchanted Island exhibit is today at 2 p.m. at the . Be sure to share your favorite by adding them to the notebook in Spreckels Reading Room.

Purchase this POW MIA You are not forgotten poster online at coronadohistory.org or at CHA store!
03/11/2023

Purchase this POW MIA You are not forgotten poster online at coronadohistory.org or at CHA store!

Patrolman Arthur Fox Roy Freeman is presenting the safe driving award to David Ferguson as the outstanding high school d...
03/10/2023

Patrolman Arthur Fox Roy Freeman is presenting the safe driving award to David Ferguson as the outstanding high school driver. The picture was published in Coronado Eagle and Journal on 6 October 1949.

Another beautiful original by local artist Tina Christiansen. This piece of art of a “Northern Flicker” original is on b...
03/09/2023

Another beautiful original by local artist Tina Christiansen. This piece of art of a “Northern Flicker” original is on birch board. You can find this piece, more birds, and ocean scenes at the CHA store.

Today is .  we are celebrating women's narratives and highlighting the unwavering POW and MIA wives from the Vietnam War...
03/08/2023

Today is . we are celebrating women's narratives and highlighting the unwavering POW and MIA wives from the Vietnam War era. In an era where women could not easily obtain credit cards, a mortgage, or a car loan, these accidental activists convinced the US President and Congress to advocate for America's missing men. Reserve your seat for the Unwavering author talk and copy of the book here: https://coronadohistory.org/calendar/event/unwavering-author-event/
Coronado Public Library Coronado Arts Unwavering Book

We are looking forward to the March 12th reception!
03/07/2023

We are looking forward to the March 12th reception!

The current exhibit in the Coronado Public Library’s Spreckels Reading Room is a collection of artworks entitled Cherished Memories of Our Enchanted Island. This show brings to our community a true walk down memory lane. On March 12 from 2 to 4 p.m. there will be a reception, light refreshments will be served, and fond remembrances exchanged between friends old and new are guaranteed.

 Do you remember these sandwiches from the 1980s in Coronado?
03/07/2023
S & M Submarine Sandwiches, Memories of Mike's Subs on the Jersey Shore - Coronado Times

Do you remember these sandwiches from the 1980s in Coronado?

The 1980s are becoming a blur, but food memories for me always seem to stick. I remember the classic Italian grinder at S & M Submarine Sandwiches on Orange Avenue (the location is now Moo Time Creamery). My fondest memories of this sandwich shop were in high school. My brother and two best friends....

Fifty years ago today, the second group of American POWs are released from Hanoi, including Coronadans Cdr. William Star...
03/06/2023

Fifty years ago today, the second group of American POWs are released from Hanoi, including Coronadans Cdr. William Stark, Capt. Ernest Moore, and Cdr. Edward Martin. Learn more about POWs after their return home in CHA's exhibit Open Doors, which is now open.

This week's volunteer spotlight is Rick!What is your favorite memory from growing up on Coronado?Our first house was at ...
03/05/2023

This week's volunteer spotlight is Rick!

What is your favorite memory from growing up on Coronado?

Our first house was at 1060 Alameda - we were one block from the beach and there were empty lots around us. We would build forts on the lot next to us. I remember a street light being right outside my bedroom door which was a great night light. Another favorite memory is that we would collect empty glass bottles at the beach and take them to the "Free brothers' market" (now Chase bank). We would get a bottle deposit of 3 cents per bottle and when we had enough saved up we would buy a hot dog and a coke. I think it was 25 cents back then.

Do you collect anything now?

I have a 50-piece collection of heavy-duty 1/50 scale construction equipment. Bulldozers, excavators, and dump trucks. I have been collecting for 10 years but have not added any new items recently. My wife won't let me ;)

Stop by the Open Doors: Vietnam POWs Fifty Years of Freedom exhibit this weekend and be sure to purchase your copy of th...
03/04/2023

Stop by the Open Doors: Vietnam POWs Fifty Years of Freedom exhibit this weekend and be sure to purchase your copy of the Open Doors book. We are open 10 am to 3 pm.
https://tinyurl.com/43xcd6yy

We were honored to host POW/MIA Families last night at our family opening reception for the Open Doors: 50 Years of Free...
03/03/2023
‘Vietnam POWs 50 Years of Freedom’ exhibit on display in Coronado

We were honored to host POW/MIA Families last night at our family opening reception for the Open Doors: 50 Years of Freedom. The exhibit opens today at 10:00 am. The exhibit is generously sponsored by CACI International, Discover Coronado, and Coronado Rotary Club.

Special thanks to curators Jamie Howren Photography and Taylor Kiland.

It tells the story of 30 former Vietnam prisoners of war and what their lives were like after coming out of captivity.

We are saddened to share of the passing of former CHA Board Member, Mike Dabbar.
03/02/2023
Mike Dabbar (1934-2023) - Coronado Times

We are saddened to share of the passing of former CHA Board Member, Mike Dabbar.

Michel (Mike) Dabbar passed away on February 23rd, 2023 peacefully in his sleep at the age of 88. Mike wanted his obituary to reflect his love of God and his family, as well as his gratitude to the United States, a country that welcomed him and gave him a second chance at life. He was […]

Today is the first day of . This month we will be celebrating women's narratives and highlighting the  Vietnam War era P...
03/01/2023

Today is the first day of . This month we will be celebrating women's narratives and highlighting the Vietnam War era POW and MIA wives. In honor of these women, today we are remembering the work of Sybil Stockdale who lead the to advocate for their husbands' release from Vietnam captivity. You can learn more about Vietnam War history at CHA's exhibit about Vietnam POWs which opens this Friday.

Learn more about Coronado's Black History: http://www.coronadonewsca.com/news/coronado_island_news/the-coronado-black-hi...
02/28/2023
The Coronado Black History Project Sheds Light On Coronado’s Untold Stories

Learn more about Coronado's Black History:

http://www.coronadonewsca.com/news/coronado_island_news/the-coronado-black-history-project-sheds-light-on-coronado-s-untold-stories/article_378166c6-b3db-11ed-85d3-9fdc44530b91.html

Coronado resident Kevin Ashley has dedicated time over the last few years to researching untold stories of Coronado’s history through the creation of The Coronado Black History Project, a website

Es su última oportunidad de usar el pase  para la admisión a mitad de precio a los museos participantes en el condado de...
02/27/2023

Es su última oportunidad de usar el pase para la admisión a mitad de precio a los museos participantes en el condado de San Diego. ¡Planee su próxima aventura hoy! Descargue su pase directamente a su teléfono en sandiegomuseumcouncil.org. El pase es válido hasta el 28 de Febrero.

Volunteer Spotlight! Meet our volunteer, Peg - Why did you choose to volunteer?I moved around a lot as an Army brat. Whe...
02/26/2023

Volunteer Spotlight! Meet our volunteer, Peg -

Why did you choose to volunteer?
I moved around a lot as an Army brat. Wherever we were stationed, my parents volunteered. That was my role model. Having spent part of my life in Coronado I wanted to become involved in the community and always have embraced the mission of CHA.

What's the best advice you were ever given?
Don't take yourself too seriously!

There is nothing quite like a unique ocean-themed reminder of a Coronado sunset. Available for purchase in the CHA store...
02/25/2023

There is nothing quite like a unique ocean-themed reminder of a Coronado sunset. Available for purchase in the CHA store.

Check out this image from 1913 of Mr. Chadwick delivering the mail on his mail cart. You could often find Louis Millen a...
02/24/2023

Check out this image from 1913 of Mr. Chadwick delivering the mail on his mail cart. You could often find Louis Millen and Arthur Holmes, son of then Mayor of Coronado George Holmes, assisting Mr. Chadwick on his route!

This set of 4 Hotel Del Coasters is the perfect finishing touch to any Coronado home! Get your pack at the CHA store.
02/23/2023

This set of 4 Hotel Del Coasters is the perfect finishing touch to any Coronado home! Get your pack at the CHA store.

Happy Birthday, Bunny MacKenzie! Born  in 1912, Bunny was a lifelong Coronado resident. Bunny is best known for having o...
02/22/2023

Happy Birthday, Bunny MacKenzie! Born in 1912, Bunny was a lifelong Coronado resident. Bunny is best known for having operated “Miss Bunny’s Preschool” for over 40 years, starting in 1935. But she is also known as the beloved founding president of the Coronado Historical Association which was established in 1969. She was a tireless preservationist and historian. Miss Bunny passed in 2002, but CHA continues to honor her legacy and devotion to Coronado history through our mission-driven work!

Stop by the CHA store and pick up a Coronado postcard! Let someone know you are thinking of them and send them one today...
02/21/2023

Stop by the CHA store and pick up a Coronado postcard! Let someone know you are thinking of them and send them one today.

Happy President's Day! Pictured is the first President to visit Coronado, President Benjamin Harrison. You can see him s...
02/20/2023

Happy President's Day! Pictured is the first President to visit Coronado, President Benjamin Harrison. You can see him standing on the steps of the Hotel Del Coronado in 1891.

Local artist Lucinda Swain has created beautiful oil paintings inspired by the ocean.  Come into the CHA store today to ...
02/18/2023

Local artist Lucinda Swain has created beautiful oil paintings inspired by the ocean. Come into the CHA store today to see these gems!

 The Hotel Del's fire fighting team c. 1889!
02/17/2023

The Hotel Del's fire fighting team c. 1889!

Come into CHA to see the works of our newest local artist Dearing English. This artist has found a way to give seaweed a...
02/16/2023

Come into CHA to see the works of our newest local artist Dearing English. This artist has found a way to give seaweed a new, artistic life by pressing it into cards and jewelry. For a unique gift for someone or yourself, come in today!

Today's  offers a glimpse into the early 1900's. Pictured is a hot air balloon, but more interestingly is the sign in th...
02/15/2023

Today's offers a glimpse into the early 1900's. Pictured is a hot air balloon, but more interestingly is the sign in the back that says "Drink Coca-Cola Pure and Healthful"!

We hope you are celebrating a wonderful Valentines Day with your sweetheart!
02/14/2023

We hope you are celebrating a wonderful Valentines Day with your sweetheart!

Stop by the  today (Monday, February 13) and tomorrow (Tuesday, February 14) from 10 am to 12 pm to talk with Taylor Kil...
02/13/2023

Stop by the today (Monday, February 13) and tomorrow (Tuesday, February 14) from 10 am to 12 pm to talk with Taylor Kiland, one of the curators of the upcoming CHA exhibit Open Doors: Vietnam POWs Fifty Years of Freedom. Docents will be on hand to collect audio oral histories and to photograph any memorabilia about Operation Homecoming, the 1973 release of American POWs in Vietnam.

02/13/2023

On this day 50 years ago, the first Vietnam POWs, newly freed, came home. This photo shows them cheering as their aircraft lifts off from Hanoi. This was the first of 54 flights from Feb 12 to April 4, 1973 that returned 591 POWs to America. (US Air Force photo)
The March issue of Coronado 365 Magazine, coming out in a few weeks, features an article commemorating this 50th anniversary and the exhibit that will be opening at Coronado Historical Association on March 3.

Learn more about POW history by signing up for our virtual talk at the San Diego History Center.
02/12/2023

Learn more about POW history by signing up for our virtual talk at the San Diego History Center.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming, the government and military mission to return the 591 American Prisoners of War that were held by North Vietnam.

Join Christine Stokes, Executive Director, and Vickie Stone, Curator of Collections from the Coronado Historical Association for this timely virtual discussion!

Address

1100 Orange Avenue
Coronado, CA
92118

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

(619) 435-7242

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Come explore the history of beautiful Coronado Island, California at the Coronado Historical Association Museum of History and Art. Walk through the three detailed exhibits and learn how a simple fishing trip in 1885 turned into the founding of this island paradise.

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TONIGHT! Discover a forgotten chapter in North Island’s early military history: the search for a missing pilot and his passenger, the largest and longest combined air and ground search in American military history during peacetime. Join Coronado Historical Association for its Wine & Lecture series on Sept. 15 with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by 6 p.m. lecture by local award-winning historian and preservationist Alexander D. Bevil. Register at https://coronadohistory.org/calendar/event/wine-lecture-the-service-knows-and-will-remember/.
Back to School, Beer by the Bay, Baked Desserts, Bikes by the Bridge ... we’re showing off some Brilliant alliteration skills in the September issue! 😁

THANK YOU to this month's Guest Editor, Denise Donato-McConnelll, Executive Vice President of Friends of Children United Society (FOCUS), F.O.C.U.S Website: focus-sdkids.org. We are honored to help promote all the good you do! ❤️

FRONT COVER, IN FOCUS, & BACK COVER photos by Barry Alman Barry Alman

A BIG THANKS to September issue contributors!

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Alisa Kerr Alisa Kerr, Tracy Real, Carol Pastor , Clyde Van Arsdall IV Olive Avenue Supper Club Clyde Van Arsdall, Roberta Lenert Roberta Gehlke Lenert, Denise Donato-McConnell Denise Donato McConnell, Patricia Robitaille Robitaille

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTORS
Barry Alman, the Real Family, the McCauley Family, the Pierre Family, the Berke Family, The Coronado Historical Association, Clyde Van Arsdall IV, Roberta Lenert, FOCUS of Coronado

CONTENT EDITORS: Sydney Zoehrer ; Christopher Canton

SPECIAL THANKS TO
Coronado Arts Coronado Promenade Concerts Coronado Historical Association FOCUS of Coronado, Islander Ladies Club, City of Coronado
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City of Coronado Police Department Coronado Recreation Center Coronado Times News Coronado Fire Department Coronado Fire Department Station 36 Emerald Keepers Hotel del Coronado Coronado Island Film Festival Discover Coronado Coronado MainStreet Coronado Chamber of Commerce Coronado Schools Foundation
San Diego's beautiful summer stretches across September bringing with it a host of new exhibitions and events. Check out our NEW September Museum Fun Guide for great ideas throughout San Diego.

Pick your favorites from San Diego Museum of Art, Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, ICA San Diego, The New Children's Museum, Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, Museum of Photographic Arts, FilmOut San Diego, USS Midway Museum, Lemon Grove Historical Society, Mingei International Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego African American Museum of Fine Arts, Marston House Museum, Visions Museum of Textile Art, Whaley House San Diego, San Diego Natural History Museum, Mission San Luis Rey, San Diego Police Museum, San Diego Natural History Museum, Barona Cultural Center & Museum, Coronado Historical Association, Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, Comic-Con Museum, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, California Surf Museum, Timken Museum of Art, Museum of Us, Fleet Science Center, WorldBeat Cultural Center, Basketball Forever, Vanguard Culture, San Diego Children's Discovery Museum, MCRD San Diego Museum, Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum, Women's Museum of California, La Jolla Historical Society, La Mesa Depot Museum, Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, and Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Greetings from the Cultural Heritage Disaster Preparedness Project! We've been in San Diego County visiting the California Surf Museum, Lemon Grove Historical Society, and Coronado Historical Association. Learn about these free assessments at www.nedcc.org/caready.

California State Library
San Diego’s weather is going to be great this weekend! So get outside and enjoy America’s Finest City with our weekend fun guide. Find great ideas for outdoor museum adventure and fun throughout San Diego County.

Check out just a few outdoor events including at The New Children's Museum, San Diego Botanic Garden, Tijuana Estuary, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Museum of Us, Cabrillo National Monument, Marston House Museum, Mission San Luis Rey, Living Coast Discovery Center, Mingei International Museum, Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, Inc., San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Automotive Museum, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego History Center, Junipero Serra Museum Presidio Park, Japanese Friendship Garden and Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center (Chicano Park Murals).

If you prefer being inside, check out great exhibitions at Barona Cultural Center & Museum, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, California Surf Museum, San Diego Chinese Historical Society & Museum, Comic-Con Museum, Coronado Historical Association, Heritage of the Americas Museum, ICA San Diego, La Jolla Historical Society, Lemon Grove Historical Society, Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum, San Diego Museum of Art, Women's Museum of California, Timken Museum of Art and WorldBeat Cultural Center.
Read about Coronado Historical Association's work to protect, preserve and share Coronado's history in collaboration with the Coronado Public Library and Hotel del Coronado in the August issue of Coronado 365. Shown at right is CHA's Executive Director Christine Stokes (former SDMC President) with Curator of Collections Vickie Stone.

Click here for the full article: https://issuu.com/coronado365magazine/docs/coronado365_august2022_issuu/s/16551283
NEW August Museum Fun Guide! Catch the best of San Diego this month with new exhibitions, family friendly events, live music, romantic nights, movies and more.

Find the FUN all over San Diego County at more than 55 museums, historic sites, garden, zoos, aquariums and more including: Museum of Photographic Arts, San Diego Museum of Art, Barona Cultural Center & Museum, San Diego African American Museum of Fine Arts, Japanese Friendship Garden, Living Coast Discovery Center, ArtWalk San Diego, Visions Museum of Textile Art, San Diego Air & Space Museum, Spreckles Organ Pavilion, Fleet Science Center, San Diego Natural History Museum, Women's Museum of California, Museum of Making Music, MCRD San Diego Museum, Vanguard Culture, San Diego Botanic Garden, Coronado Historical Association, Birch Aquarium at Scripps and more.

https://mailchi.mp/sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/big-exchange-museletter-memorial-day-2022-240682
Active-duty military and their families can enjoy free admission at participating museums now through Labor Day thanks to a collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).

Celebrating today with military families at The New Children's Museum today were (from left): U.S. Navy Region SW Rear Admiral Brad Rosen (San Diego Navy Mayor), San Diego Museum Council Executive Director Bob Lehman, City of San Diego Commission for Arts & Culture Executive Director Jonathon Glus, CEO and Board President of Blue Star Families Kathy Roth-Douquet, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, National Endowment for the Arts Chair Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, The New Children's Museum Executive Director & CEO Elizabeth Yang-Hellewell, and ICA San Diego Executive Director Andrew Ütt.

Blue Star Museums in San Diego include Bonita Museum and Cultural Center, Coronado Historical Association, Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, Japanese Friendship Garden, Mingei International Museum, Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum, Museum of Making Music, Museum of Photographic Arts, The New Children's Museum, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Mineral & Gem Society, San Diego Museum of Art, and Visions Art Museum/Visions Museum of Textile Arts. For more information, go to www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.
Starting today (Armed Forces Day) through Labor Day, active-duty military and their families can enjoy free admission at participating museums thanks to a collaboration with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Blue Star Museums in San Diego include Bonita Museum and Cultural Center, Coronado Historical Association, Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, Japanese Friendship Garden, Mingei International Museum, Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum - MECM, Museum of Making Music, Museum of Photographic Arts, The New Children's Museum, San Diego Automotive Museum and San Diego Museum of Art.
Join the Coronado Historical Association (CHA) and the Coronado Island Film Festival at 5 p.m. tonight for a special showing of The Dragon Painter (1919). Tickets and more info at https://coronadohistory.org/calendar/list/.

This much-celebrated film was inducted into the prestigious National Film Registry in 2014. Despite being filmed in Coronado’s Japanese Tea Garden over 103 years ago, this black-and-white film will be screened for the first time in Coronado at the historic Vintage Village Theatre. This silent film is accompanied by a complete score by Japanese-American composer Mark Izu. Run-time is 53 minutes and VIP tickets include a reception at CHA post-screening. 📽️
Did you know Coronado used to be home to a large Japanese Tea Garden? Learn more in a special lecture presented by Coronado Historical Association in partnership with the Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego and the Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego. Hear from guest speaker Kendall Brown, Professor of Asian Art History in the Art Department at California State University, Long Beach. For tickets (and more about the upcoming screening of The Dragon Painter) go to www.coronadohistory.org.
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Other Coronado museums (show all)

Maritime Museum of San Diego Villa Montezuma Museum Special Events at San Diego Air & Space Museum SDASM Library & Archives San Diego Model Railroad Museum San Diego History Center San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego Natural History Museum Paleontology Department