La Mesa History Center

Name: La Mesa History Center
Address: 8369 University Avenue, La Mesa, CA, 91942, US
Telephone: +16194660197
Price range: $

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La Mesa History Center

Welcome to the La Mesa History Center!

From its agricultural origins in the late 1800s, its community beginnings and short period as a silent-movie mecca in the early 1900s, to the rapid growth in the 1960s, La Mesa has a rich and colorful past.

05/27/2026

What and where was this? Here is a big hint. We will be showing films they made at a July event. Tickets are on sale now. It will sell out so don't miss out. https://lamesahistory.com/event/silent-movie-night/

05/25/2026

Memorial Day at La Mesa Grammar School Patio 1933
La Mesa has a long history of recognizing those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. This photo of the La Mesa Grammar School patio display dates from May 30, 1933. La Mesa's American Legion Post sponsored both a parade on Lookout Ave (today's La Mesa Blvd.) and a service at the Grammar School including a speech by San Diego Judge Arthur L. Mundo, a WWI veteran that Memorial Day. The parade started in front of the La Mesa Library in Porter Park (site of today's Adult Center) before ending at the Orange Avenue grammar school site. The May 26, 1933 La Mesa Scout reported on an additional display installed at the Library. The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary having planted a series of Flanders Poppies in the shape of a star on the Library grounds.

We hope that your 2026 Memorial Day includes some time for both personal and community-based reflection on this long-standing community tradition..

05/23/2026

Silent Movie Night Returns!
La Mesa’s Cinematic History Comes to Life Again
Saturday July 18, 2026

Go to lamesahistory.com for Tickets & Information

Tickets $25; LMHC Member Price $20
6:30pm – La Mesa Film History Presentation
7:00pm – Silent Films Presentation

Trinity Presbyterian Church
3902 Kenwood Drive
Spring Valley

Experience La Mesa’s pioneering motion picture roots!

Come see two locally-made 1911 “Flying A” one-reelers
and a 1916 silent film superstar Douglas Fairbanks’ feature,
“Manhattan Madness.”

The program will feature San Diego organist Russ Peck accompanying
these historic silent films on the Theater Organ Society of San Diego’s
historic Wurlitzer 4/24 Theater Pipe Organ.

Historian Jim Newland will open with a short presentation
on the Flying A’s history in La Mesa

05/21/2026

Congratulations to our fantastic community partners, the La Mesa Woman's Club as they kicked our their yearlong 125th anniversary celebration last Tuesday.

05/20/2026

No cheating on this one! Clearly we can all see the name of the business but where was it and can you guess the year?

05/13/2026

Where is this and what do you know about it?

05/08/2026

American Association of University Women - La Mesa Branch Collection highlighted in new exhibit during the San Diego State University Digital Humanities Showcase.
On Friday, May 8, 2026, a team of SDSU students, led by Dr. Isaac Ullah, presented their new exhibit, "Scrapbooks of the AAUW La Mesa Branch." Drawn from the organization's collection at the La Mesa History Center, the exhibit presents digitized scrapbooks that provide a visual narrative of branch activities and news clippings, and a series of searchable PDF member directories. Congratulations to Michaela Langer, Erin Petersen, and Skyler Rehbach on this achievement! The exhibit can be accessed at https://comparchexhibits.sdsu.edu/lmhc/ .

05/06/2026

Where is it Wednesday?
Who are these people? This building still exists today.
Don't worry if you don't know this story, the History Center has an upcoming event that will fill you in on this pioneering company, its time in La Mesa--and your chance to experience their legacy.
See lamesahistory.com

04/29/2026

As we look toward the end of the school year, this "What is it Wednesday" post seemed applicable. Tell us what these items from our archives are and what you know about them.

04/26/2026

From our colleagues at LA JOLLA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
La Jolla Secret Garden Tour Saturday May 16, 2026

Get Your Tickets Now for the La Jolla Historical Society Secret Garden Tour Saturday May 16, 2026
10am to 4pm.

Support our colleagues by attending the La Jolla Historical Society’s Secret Garden Tour. This annual event is an opportunity to step into a different world – one where botanical colors, shapes, and fragrances command attention, summon the imagination, and lead to an escape from the world of the ordinary.
For nearly three decades La Jolla Historical Society’s Secret Garden Tour has provided the opportunity to step into the extraordinary world of La Jolla’s private gardens.

In addition to the plants and landscaping, the Tour includes opportunities to explore unique designs in the company of garden enthusiasts and friends. La Jolla’s tour often includes historic homes and examples of unique architecture, and the gardens are made special with the presence of live musicians, plein air artists, and dining table designs. On the lawn of the Society’s Wisteria Cottage, the Garden Boutique showcases merchants with items of interest to gardeners and homeowners.

The Secret Garden Tour Fundraiser extends a rare invitation to the public to stroll behind the garden gates of some of La Jolla’s loveliest secluded gardens, often concealed from view by mature trees, vines, or foliage.

This year, the Society is introducing a refreshed format designed to keep the focus on what matters most: beautiful gardens and strong support for their mission.

All guests will enjoy a beautifully curated Self‑Driving Tour through a selection of spectacular private gardens, with two exciting optional upgrades available. If you would like to hire your own car, please check the event website for details.

New to this year's La Jolla Garden Tour is a Lunch + Learn experience where guests can elevate their day with a delicious buffet lunch and an engaging session led by a Master Gardener, offering expert insights and inspiration in a historic setting.

For tickets & information:
https://www.lajollahistory.org/secret-garden-tour

04/20/2026

Any guess where this is and what he is working on?

Address

8369 University Avenue
La Mesa, CA
91942

Opening Hours

1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+16194660197

Website

http://lamesahistory.com/

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