San Diego History Center

San Diego History Center San Diego History Center (SDHC) is dedicated to helping people of all ages learn about, and enjoy, t
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San Diego History Center (SDHC) is dedicated to helping people of all ages learn about, and enjoy, the history of San Diego, and to appreciate how our past, present, and future are interrelated. San Diego History Center encourages fans to leave comments, videos, photos, and links on this page. However, admins reserve the right to remove content that is construed to be inappropriate and/or

offensive. This includes, but is not limited to, content that is considered to be defamation, harassment, spam, or unauthorized proprietary solicitations. This page is not a venue to promote other pages or causes. Posts that contain incorrect or misleading project information will be deleted. Users who repeatedly violate this policy may be banned from the page.

Join us for a free lei-making event hosted by Hui O Hawaii of San Diego!Celebrate the Aloha Vaqueros exhibition, highlig...
01/22/2025

Join us for a free lei-making event hosted by Hui O Hawaii of San Diego!

Celebrate the Aloha Vaqueros exhibition, highlighting the unique blend of San Diego, Mexican, and Hawaiian cowboy cultures. Learn to create 'kupeʻe' (wristlets/anklets) with ti leaves ('lāʻī') using the traditional 'hilo' style.

📍 Where: Atrium, Balboa Park Museum
⏰ When: Sunday, January 26, 12 PM – 3 PM

Proudly sponsored by Alaska Airlines, this fun, family-friendly event is open to all ages.

Don't miss out on a day of culture, creativity, and community!

In 1964, Dr. King addressed San Diegans at California Western University (now Point Loma Nazarene University) to mobiliz...
01/20/2025

In 1964, Dr. King addressed San Diegans at California Western University (now Point Loma Nazarene University) to mobilize support for the civil rights bill in Congress.

Speaking to a crowd of over 5,000 people, he shared these memorable words:
"I am convinced, deep in my heart, that by using non-violence we can turn racial discord into a symphony of brotherhood."

These photos are from the San Diego History Center Collection.

📷 Browse more historical photos here: https://collections.sandiegohistory.org

Join us on January 24th from 5:00–7:00 PM at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park for the SD ART PRIZE Reception!...
01/15/2025

Join us on January 24th from 5:00–7:00 PM at the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park for the SD ART PRIZE Reception!

Meet the talented artists behind this year’s exhibition: Gabriel Boils, Francisco Eme, and Marisol Rendón. Curated by Dr. Lara Bullock, the exhibition celebrates the creativity and talent of artists from San Diego and Ensenada.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with the local art community and explore this stunning exhibition, on view through March 2025!

✨ RSVP today at https://ow.ly/cAfp50UFqt5

Today, we celebrate Korean American Day by honoring the history, culture, and contributions of the Korean American commu...
01/13/2025

Today, we celebrate Korean American Day by honoring the history, culture, and contributions of the Korean American community. From leadership and innovation to the arts and education, Korean Americans have helped shape our shared future in remarkable ways.

From the archives:
📷 Marjorie M. Lee and Julia Kang, members of the Korean community, 1974.
📷 Sung Nai-Wan teaching Sugong, the traditional Korean art of paper folding, to children at a YWCA summer camp.

Let’s take this day to reflect on their enduring legacy and the shared values that bring us together. 🇰🇷🇺🇸

Understanding our history is the compass that helps us navigate the future. 🏛️The San Diego History Center offers engagi...
01/11/2025

Understanding our history is the compass that helps us navigate the future. 🏛️

The San Diego History Center offers engaging, family-friendly exhibitions with fun activities that highlight the remarkable stories of our region – past, present, and future.

Dive into captivating exhibits and archives that reveal the roots of San Diego's heritage.

📍 Balboa Park: Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10AM – 5PM
📍 Junípero Serra Museum: Open Saturday & Sunday, 10AM – 4PM

🔗 For more information, visit sandiegohistory.org

On this National Day of Mourning, the San Diego History Center joins the nation in honoring Jimmy Carter, the 39th Presi...
01/09/2025

On this National Day of Mourning, the San Diego History Center joins the nation in honoring Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States.
During his lifetime, President Carter visited San Diego multiple times, both as President and as a private citizen. Notably, he and his wife, Rosalynn, worked with Habitat for Humanity to build homes in Encanto and Tijuana.

📷:President Carter and San Diego Congressman Lionel Van Deerlin on Air Force One in 1978.

Credit: San Diego History Center

Happy New Year from the San Diego History Center to our incredible community! 🎉 How do you begin the year? Some embrace ...
01/01/2025

Happy New Year from the San Diego History Center to our incredible community! 🎉 How do you begin the year? Some embrace traditions, others set goals, and many gather with loved ones to celebrate fresh beginnings.

Here’s a step back to January 1, 1909, at the San Diego Rowing Club clubhouse, where people came together to welcome a new year. Whether you reflect on the past or look ahead, we hope 2025 brings you joy, connection, and inspiration.

Take a journey through the history of the Presidio de San Diego! 🏰 Explore the significance of this iconic site, hear st...
12/28/2024

Take a journey through the history of the Presidio de San Diego! 🏰 Explore the significance of this iconic site, hear stories passed down by the Kumeyaay people, and see how archaeologists have brought its past to life. After the tour, immerse yourself in the Serra Museum’s newest exhibition for a deeper look at this extraordinary landmark.
Whether you join a monthly tour or arrange a private visit, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!

https://sandiegohistory.org/event/presidio-walking-tour-13/

📚 Community Research Access DayThe San Diego History Center welcomes community researchers to explore our Special Collec...
12/27/2024

📚 Community Research Access Day
The San Diego History Center welcomes community researchers to explore our Special Collections!

To register:
1️⃣ Select a date from the calendar at the top of the registration page.
2️⃣ Register individually—one ticket per researcher.
3️⃣ Identify resources in advance using our online catalog, finding aids, or resource guides.

We look forward to supporting your research journey!

https://sandiegohistory.org/event/community-research-access-days-5/

Kwanzaa, celebrated with vibrant traditions, brings communities together to honor African heritage, unity, and cultural ...
12/26/2024

Kwanzaa, celebrated with vibrant traditions, brings communities together to honor African heritage, unity, and cultural pride. This meaningful holiday focuses on seven principles, emphasizing values like self-determination and collective responsibility.

📸 1981: Kokayi Lumumba is seen lighting a candle during a Kwanzaa celebration at the International Blend Coffeehouse in North Park, symbolizing one of the seven principles of the holiday.

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a time to celebrate faith, perseverance, and the strength of tradition. Observed ov...
12/26/2024

Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights, is a time to celebrate faith, perseverance, and the strength of tradition. Observed over eight days, it commemorates the story of hope and resilience that continues to inspire families around the world. In 1960, the Zajd family gathered for a Hanukkah ceremony, lighting the menorah as a symbol of this enduring holiday and coming together to honor their cultural heritage.

Wishing you a holiday season  filled with joy, warmth, and cherished moments! 🎄✨ As we celebrate this special time of ye...
12/25/2024

Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and cherished moments! 🎄✨ As we celebrate this special time of year, we reflect on how traditions and family gatherings have brought joy to generations. From decorating trees to sharing carols, the spirit of the season has remained a beautiful constant.

📸 1950: Frances Baynard poses with her children next to a decorated Christmas tree, surrounded by unwrapped presents, capturing a heartwarming family moment of the holiday season.

📸 1955: Mrs. L.M. Limbach and Mrs. Clarence Stockton spread holiday cheer with a Christmas carol, embracing the timeless tradition of song and celebration.

May your holidays be just as joyful and full of love!

Step into the magic of Let There Be Light, now open until January 5th at the San Diego History Center! 🌟 Celebrate winte...
12/23/2024

Step into the magic of Let There Be Light, now open until January 5th at the San Diego History Center! 🌟 Celebrate winter traditions from around the world with interactive crafts and activities that showcase diverse "festivals of light." Perfect for all ages, it’s the ideal way to illuminate your holiday season!

https://sandiegohistory.org/event/2024-let-there-be-light/

Who says the holiday season is just for one species? 🎄🎉 In December 1958, baby gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans at ...
12/22/2024

Who says the holiday season is just for one species? 🎄🎉 In December 1958, baby gorillas, chimpanzees, and orangutans at the San Diego Zoo got in on the holiday fun with their very own Christmas party, complete with festive decorations and treats, pictured here with zoo staff member Sheila Miller.

This and more historic photos can be found at https://collections.sandiegohistory.org/

Don’t miss your final chance to explore our exhibition celebrating San Diego’s brewing history and its rise as a craft b...
12/20/2024

Don’t miss your final chance to explore our exhibition celebrating San Diego’s brewing history and its rise as a craft beer capital! 🍺
Through Dec. 29, meet Beer Docents from LITTLE MISS BREWING and sample a flight or savor a pint.
Excited for more? The TASTE SAN DIEGO exhibition will return with new regional tastes in early 2025!

https://sandiegohistory.org/exhibition/taste-san-diego-craft-community-and-culture/

The North Park Toyland Parade was a treasured holiday tradition that brought the community together for decades. First h...
12/17/2024

The North Park Toyland Parade was a treasured holiday tradition that brought the community together for decades. First held in the 1930s, it featured festive floats, marching bands, and local performers, creating lasting memories for families and neighbors alike. Its legacy lives on as a reflection of the neighborhood’s unique character and traditions.

📸 Timeless moments from North Park’s Toyland Parade
📸 1951: A whimsical balloon float delights the crowd.
📸 1955: A beautifully crafted float takes center stage.
📸 1960s: A woman dressed as a Christmas present marches proudly.

For these and more historic photos, visit https://collections.sandiegohistory.org/

In 1960, the Yokohama Friendship Bell House was dedicated on Shelter Island as a gift from San Diego’s sister city, Yoko...
12/12/2024

In 1960, the Yokohama Friendship Bell House was dedicated on Shelter Island as a gift from San Diego’s sister city, Yokohama, Japan. The bell, a traditional Japanese bonshō, represents harmony and goodwill between the two cities, part of the Sister City Program established to foster cultural and diplomatic ties worldwide. This iconic structure remains a symbol of friendship and mutual respect, reflecting San Diego's commitment to global connections.

📸Installation of the Yokohama Friendship Bell on Shelter Island, November 1960.
📸 Dedication ceremony at the Yokohama Friendship Bell House, December 1960, with attendees standing under the bell as one man rings it.

Celebrate the beauty of winter traditions from around the world! 🌟 Join us at the San Diego History Center this season t...
12/04/2024

Celebrate the beauty of winter traditions from around the world! 🌟 Join us at the San Diego History Center this season to explore diverse "festivals of light" through hands-on crafts and activities. Perfect for all ages, it’s a wonderful way to brighten your Holidays!
RSVP today: https://sandiegohistory.org/event/2024-let-there-be-light/

Address

1649 El Prado, Ste 3
San Diego, CA
92101

Opening Hours

Thursday 11am - 4pm
Friday 11am - 4pm
Saturday 11am - 4pm
Sunday 11am - 4pm

Telephone

+16192326203

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