What are the opening hours?

Wednesday 12pm - 4pm Thursday 12pm - 4pm Friday 12pm - 4pm Saturday 12pm - 4pm Sunday 12pm - 4pm

La Jolla Historical Society

Name: La Jolla Historical Society
Address: 780 Prospect Street, San Diego, CA, 92037, US
Telephone: +18584595335
Price range: Not Applicable
Rating: 4.8

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La Jolla Historical Society

La Jolla Historical Society We inspire and empower the community to make La Jolla's diverse past a relevant part of life today Office: 7846 Eads Avenue - 10am to 4pm Monday - Friday.

Gallery: 780 Prospect Street Open Noon to 4pm Thursday – Sunday. Free Admission

Research appointments can be made by calling Deputy Director Dana Hicks at 858-459-5335 ext. 3 or emailing us at [email protected].

02/21/2025

La Jolla Historical Society’s team went to the California Association of Museums conference this week in San Francisco!

02/18/2025

We are immensely proud to share that Board Vice President, Laura DuCharme Conboy, has received a well-deserved elevation to AIA Fellow! Less than 3% of AIA members hold the prestigious FAIA designation that recognizes exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society.

On behalf of LJHS, Laura developed the Young Architects Summer Program - an intensive program introducing middle school and high school students to all that is involved in being an architect. Since the program’s onset in 2012, students have attended from across the nation, including 40 different cities from 10 states and often return multiple time (Registration is open now for our 2025 sessions!). Beyond her work on YASP, Laura gives generously of her time and talent to our Board of Directors.

We wish Laura our sincerest congratulations on this monumental achievement and thank her for being a vital part of our LJHS community!

02/15/2025

Tickets are on sale for The 2025 Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla! Join us for the 26th Annual Secret Garden Tour and Garden Boutique! Stroll through a curated selection of private gardens, each with its own story and unique design. Engage with expert docents who bring the gardens to life with historical and botanical insights. Enjoy live music and artistic displays that enrich your experience. And indulge in refreshments and shopping at our Garden Boutique, featuring artisanal goods and garden-inspired treasures.

- Self Guided Tour Tickets $55 in advance through May 16 ($45 for LJHS Members in advance)
- Platinum Tour Tickets $155 in advance to May 9 or until sold out ($145 for LJHS Members)

We Sold Out Last Year So Don't Wait To Buy Your Tickets!
https://events.com/r/en_US/tickets/secret-garden-tour-of-la-jolla-san-diego-may-939662

02/09/2025

Thanks to all who came out for the opening of La Jolla Surf: Culture, Art, Craft. We had a full house and everyone enjoyed seeing the exhibit, listening to tunes by Pav Avion and tasting tasty tacos from El Guero 2! Curated by John Durant, the exhibit invites viewers into the world of surfing through iconic photography by Roy Porello, Jeff Divine, and Ron Church, original artwork by award winning designer John Van Hamersveld, and surf boards from the greatest shapers in the region. See original interview footage with local surfers and hear firsthand accounts of how the surfing community developed, how it evolved over time, and the powerful connection to the ocean and nature that surfing engenders. If you missed the opening the exhibit continues through May 25th. We are open Wed-Sun 12-4 and admission is always free! Come see us soon!

01/19/2025

𝐋𝐚 𝐉𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟: 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐀𝐫𝐭, 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭⁣
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𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬: February 8, 2025 - May 25, 2025⁣
𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Friday, February 7, 6 - 7:30PM⁣
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𝐋𝐚 𝐉𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐟: 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞, 𝐀𝐫𝐭, 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 will invite viewers into the world of surfing through iconic photography by , , and Ron Church, original artwork by award winning designer .art, and surf boards from the greatest shapers in the region.⁣
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Through the extensive, original interview footage with local surfers created by Curator , visitors will hear firsthand accounts of how the surfing community developed, how it has evolved over time, and the powerful connection to, and appreciation of the ocean and nature that surfing engenders.⁣
⁣⁣⁣⁣

01/17/2025

With just a few days left of the exhibition, we want to thank the remarkable community who made Helen and Newton Harrison: California Work possible. We are immensely grateful to have collaborated with the Downtown Central Library Gallery, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, and UCSD’s Mandeville Gallery on this ambitious project.

This project was envisioned and thoughtfully brought to life by Curator Tatiana Sizonenko and Project Director Heath Fox. We express our deep gratitude for their leadership.

Finally, to our members and visitors who embraced this project and helped raise awareness of the enduring power of the Harrison’s work – thank you for your support!

Helen and Newton Harrison: California Work is among more than 60 exhibitions and programs presented as part of Getty’s PST ART.

Funding for Helen and Newton Harrison: California Work is generously provided by Joan and Irwin Jacobs, the M&I Pfister Foundation, The Seth Sprague Educational and Charitable Foundation, Michael Bernstein and Patti Harp, and Heath and Terry Fox.

Image 1: Philipp Scholz Rittermann
Images 2, 7: Kathryn Caudle
Images 4, 5, 6, 8, 9: Pablo Mason

01/15/2025

We are so excited that our new exhibit "La Jolla Surf: Culture, Art, Craft" February 8 - May 25, 2025, kicks off with an opening reception Friday, February 7 at La Jolla Historical Society. Members preview is from 5-6pm and public opening from 6-7:30pm. Reception attendees will groove to the surf sounds of PAR AVION and enjoy refreshments. It promises to be a popular reception so PLEASE RSVP to attend.

La Jolla Surf: Culture, Art, Craft will introduce visitors to some of the artists, surfers and surfboard builders that have lived in or passed through La Jolla during their lives. Through the extensive, original interview footage with local surfers created by Curator John Durant, visitors will hear firsthand accounts of how the surfing community developed, how it has evolved over time, and the powerful connection to, and appreciation of the ocean and nature that surfing engenders.

La Jolla Surf also invites viewers into the world of surfing through iconic photography by Roy Porello, Jeff Divine, and Ron Church, original artwork by award winning designer John van Hamersveld, and surf boards from the greatest shapers in the region.

To learn more about this exhibit: https://www.lajollahistory.org/la-jolla-surf

Photos shown courtesy of John Durant, Roy Porello and Jeff Divine.

01/05/2025

This week in La Jolla history, January 10, 1899: The La Jolla train depot on Prospect Street near Fay Avenue blew down in a windstorm and was immediately rebuilt. The depot had been built five years earlier as part of a 1,400-foot railroad track extension.
The depot served the SAN DIEGO, PACIFIC BEACH & LA JOLLA line which later became known as the LOS ANGELES & SAN DIEGO BEACH RAILROAD. Affectionately known as the “Abalone Limited,” the line continued service until 1917.

01/04/2025

There are just two weeks left to experience Helen and Newton Harrison: California Work! Join us for three final public programs at three different venues hosting this expansive exhibition of these pioneering ecological artists:

1. Lecture by Edward Shanken: “’I am the Lorax’: or ‘What Does the Life Web Want?” The Harrisons, Systems, Speculative Design, and Healing the Earth”
Saturday, January 11th, 3-4PM
California Center for the Arts Escondido, Museum Galleries

2. Panel Discussion – Influence & Inspiration: Working with the Harrisons
Monday, January 13th, 6-8PM
Downtown Central Library, Mary Hollis Clark Conference Center

3. Curator Guided Tour with Tatiana Sizonenko
Thursday, January 16th, 4PM
La Jolla Historical Society

Image: Lagoon V detail, Helen and Newton Harrison

12/24/2024

The tradition of having a Christmas tree in La Jolla goes back to 1912 when Ellen Browning Scripps lit a tree at La Jolla Cove. When the Rec Center was dedicated in 1915, the community placed a tree where the basketball courts are today and trees were lit and celebrated during the holidays. That spirit carries on today through a group of volunteers who decorate and light a tree planted in 1984 by La Jollan George Dewhurst. https://lajolla.ca/news/featured/its-lit-la-jolla-rec-center-tree-is-merry-and-bright-again

12/23/2024

Happy Holidays! Please note that our office and research library is closed Dec 24-25 and Dec 31-Jan 1, and our gallery closures are listed above. We look forward to seeing you in Wisteria Cottage Gallery soon!

12/21/2024

On December 13, 1967, snowflakes fell in San Diego – and it was nothing short of magical! 🌨️ Even General Atomic near La Jolla got to experience this rare winter wonderland. Check out these amazing photos from that historic day! 📸
Do you remember it? Were you lucky enough to catch a snowflake on your nose?
Happy 1st day of Winter from your Collections Manager!

12/17/2024

Staff Holiday field trip to Balboa Park! Thank you and for welcoming us to the spectacular exhibition, Blue Gold: The Art and Science of Indigo!

12/03/2024

Today is , a wonderful opportunity to show your support! Your contributions makes our free public programs, exhibitions, publications, and historic preservation advocacy possible.

Join our free Family Day workshop to learn how to make no-sugar frosting, create natural food coloring, decorate cookies, and make strawberry prints! Inspired by Helen Harrison’s seminal 1974 “Making Strawberry Jam!”

Donate today to keep these experiences accessible for all! We are so grateful for your support!

11/28/2024

Thanksgiving is the time to reflect on things that we are thankful for, and your loyalty, friendship and support tops our list. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful Thanksgiving!

11/11/2024

Happy Veterans Day from the Collections Manager.

Here we have 3 artifacts from our collections from WWII. A newspaper celebrating V-Day in San Diego, ration books, and my personal favorite a “Soldier's Prayer”

11/05/2024

Join us for Growing Together: A Family Day of Native Planting!

Inspired by our retrospective of the visionary ecological arts Helen and Newton Harrison, this event invites families to engage with nature and sustainability in a meaningful way. Get your hands in the dirt, touch grass and connect with nature at this fun-filled, community-driven day of native planting!

Date: Sunday, November 10th
Location: La Jolla Historical Society, 780 Prospect Street
Time: 10 AM - 2 PM

Bring the whole family and enjoy educational sessions about native plants and their impact, kid-friendly arts workshop, and a Resource Fair with our 5 incredible community partners!

No prior gardening experience needed - just a love for nature and community! Let's grow together and make a lasting impact!

Address

780 Prospect Street
San Diego, CA
92037

Opening Hours

Wednesday	12pm - 4pm
Thursday	12pm - 4pm
Friday	12pm - 4pm
Saturday	12pm - 4pm
Sunday	12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+18584595335

Website

http://www.lajollahistory.org/

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Videos

The opening of La Jolla Surf: Culture, Art, Craft at La Jolla Historical Society.

Our beautiful exhibition catalogues paired with a Modernism tote and LJHS membership make the perfect holiday gift! Stop by Wisteria Cottage to do your last minute shopping. We’re open Wed-Sun 12-4pm.

We are proud to be part of the Official Calendar of WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL SAN DIEGO TIJUANA 2024! (@wdcsandiegotijuana2024)Being recognized as an Initiative within the #WDC2024CommunityProgram of #WDC2024 is a prestigious recognition and serves as a symbol of acknowledgment of the value our initiative brings to our community. We’re eager to contribute to WDC 2024’s mission to reimagine, celebrate, transform, and enhance our region through the lens of design. We’re ready for 2024. The year to design a better future starts NOW! #WDC2024Calendar ¡Somos parte del Calendario Oficial de WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL SAN DIEGO TIJUANA 2024!Nos enorgullece compartir que hemos sido seleccionados como una de las iniciativas del Programa Comunitario de @wdcsandiegotijuana2024 y estaremos contribuyendo a la misión de #WDC2024 de reinventar, celebrar, transformar y mejorar nuestra región a través del diseño.¡Estamos listos para el 2024! ¡HOY inicia el año para diseñar un mejor futuro! #CalendarioWDC2024

Thank you to our incredible community of members, volunteers, visitors, and supporters who helped to make 2023 a success! We look forward to welcoming you back to Wisteria Cottage in 2024 for exciting new and returning programs, engaging exhibitions, and more!

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Our Story

The La Jolla Historical Society Wisteria Cottage Gallery is open as of October 15, Thursday through Sunday, 12noon to 4:00pm. The Office & Research Center is open as of October 1 by appointment only. All visitors are required to wear face masks and observe social distancing guidelines.

Office: 7846 Eads Avenue Open 10am to 4pm Monday - Friday Gallery: 780 Prospect Street Open Noon to 4pm Thursday – Sunday Free Admission!

The La Jolla Historical Society is a 501c3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire and empower the community to make La Jolla’s diverse past a relevant part of contemporary life, encouraging exploration of the past in ways that inform the present and shape the future. The Society preserves and shares La Jolla’s distinctive sense of place, and serves as a community resource and gathering place where residents and visitors explore history, art, ideas and culture.