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 the San Diego History Center at Mujeres Brew House (1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113) on September 17 from 6:0...
09/10/2026

Join the San Diego History Center at Mujeres Brew House (1983 Julian Ave., San Diego, CA 92113) on September 17 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. for an evening of creativity, community, and local history.

Stop by our table to create your own piece of Mexican tin art, known as hojalata. This vibrant folk art tradition originated in the 16th century and continues to thrive in communities throughout Mexico, including Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we will also share historical materials and stories that highlight the rich history of our border region and the communities that have shaped it.

All skill levels are welcome, and no prior registration is required.

About Craftivism

Craftivism repurposes traditional crafts—such as sewing, quilting, embroidery, and other creative practices—as tools for social expression, storytelling, and community engagement. Through these hands-on activities, participants can explore local history, connect with one another, and reflect on the diverse communities that make up our region. We invite the public to join our craftivism programs as a way to learn, create, and build community together.

🧵✨ Go Behind the Seams Next Week!Fashion history is coming out of the archives at the San Diego History Center in the he...
09/09/2026

🧵✨ Go Behind the Seams Next Week!

Fashion history is coming out of the archives at the San Diego History Center in the heart of Balboa Park!

In celebration of San Diego Design Week, join us September 16 for a special behind-the-scenes look at SDHC’s historic garment collection. Get an up-close view of noteworthy pieces—including designs by Zandra Rhodes and Bob Mackie—and discover the stories, craftsmanship, and history woven into the collection.

👗 Explore rarely seen historic garments
📅 September 16 | 4: 00 pm - 5:30 pm
📍 San Diego History Center | Balboa Park

Make it a day of design, fashion, and history in the heart of the park!

RSVP Today: https://bit.ly/SDHC_BehindTheSeams

☀️ San Diego is heating up! When the temperatures climb, we’ve got a cool place to spend a part of the day.Step inside t...
09/09/2026

☀️ San Diego is heating up! When the temperatures climb, we’ve got a cool place to spend a part of the day.

Step inside the air-conditioned San Diego History Center in Balboa Park and take a break from the heat while exploring exhibitions and experiences that bring San Diego’s art, history, people, and places to life. Our current exhibitions include:

Changing Terrain: Regional Artists Interpret Our Landscape — See Southern California and Baja through the eyes of regional artists exploring landscape, culture, community, and change.

America at 250: San Diego 1776–2026 — Discover 250 years of American history through the people, objects, and defining moments connected to San Diego.

San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods — Explore the stories of communities transformed or displaced by development and changing city landscapes.

Be Here Now — Experience artworks that celebrate the diversity and creativity of artists showcasing San Diego through their unique perspectives and artistic expression.

Balboa Park Documentary Film — Sit back, cool off, and enjoy a free 30-minute film exploring the history and enduring legacy of Balboa Park.

Come for the A/C. Stay for the stories. 😎

Step into San Diego’s beginnings on Saturday, September 19 at the Junípero Serra Museum in Presidio Park!Explore the bur...
09/08/2026

Step into San Diego’s beginnings on Saturday, September 19 at the Junípero Serra Museum in Presidio Park!

Explore the buried Presidio site on a guided walking tour and discover:
✨ Why this hillside location is so significant to San Diego’s history
✨ How archaeologists and historians uncovered its story—and continue to study it today
✨ What the Presidio’s early structures may have looked like centuries ago

Choose from two tour times:
🕥 10:30–11:30 a.m.
🕛 12:00–1:00 p.m.

After your tour, explore the Serra Museum galleries and select a historic photo to take home.

🎟️ General Admission: $20
🌟 Complimentary admission, lunch, and a walking tour of the Presidio are available for SDHC members, neighbors, and residents of Mission Hills and Old Town with valid ID.

To receive the promotional code, email [email protected].

👉 RSVP today: https://bit.ly/SerraCommunityDay

🍂 Make History Part of Your September!There’s plenty happening this month at the San Diego History Center! Discover spec...
09/08/2026

🍂 Make History Part of Your September!

There’s plenty happening this month at the San Diego History Center! Discover special programs, fascinating conversations, family activities, and opportunities to experience San Diego’s history in unexpected ways.

Whether you’re joining us for an event or exploring what’s new in the museum, September is a great time to visit.

📅 Explore September events and start planning:
https://sandiegohistory.org/events/

🐔 Look who landed in today’s San Diego Union-Tribune!This unforgettable 1980 photo captures The Famous San Diego Chicken...
09/05/2026

🐔 Look who landed in today’s San Diego Union-Tribune!

This unforgettable 1980 photo captures The Famous San Diego Chicken awaiting a court hearing over a dispute involving his iconic costume. The Chicken won the case—and went on to become one of the most beloved characters in sports history.

Hear the stories behind the feathers on September 10, when Ted Giannoulas joins us at the San Diego History Center for a rare speaking appearance filled with humor, history, and behind-the-scenes memories.

📅 September 10 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
📍 San Diego History Center in Balboa Park
🎟️ General admission: $35

Image featured in today’s San Diego Union-Tribune. Explore the San Diego History Center's photography collections: collections.sandiegohistory.org

Remembering Gloria SteinemThe San Diego History Center joins people across the country in remembering Gloria Steinem, wh...
09/03/2026

Remembering Gloria Steinem

The San Diego History Center joins people across the country in remembering Gloria Steinem, whose lifetime of advocacy helped transform the movement for women’s equality. Ms. Steinem passed away at her home in New York on September 2.

In this photograph from August 3, 1981, Steinem attends a meeting of the San Diego North County chapter of the National Organization for Women in Solana Beach—a powerful reminder of how her national advocacy connected with the work of women activists here in San Diego County.

As a journalist, organizer, and leading voice of the modern women’s movement, Steinem inspired generations to speak up, organize, and work toward a more equitable future.

Today, we remember her extraordinary legacy and the countless people and communities her work inspired.

Read more about Ms. Steinem's 1981 visit to San Diego : https://bit.ly/SDUT_GloriaSteinem

📷 Photo: San Diego Union-Tribune Collection, San Diego History Center

Thanks to Ranch & Coast Magazine for featuring our September 10 event with one of San Diego’s most iconic entertainers.J...
09/02/2026

Thanks to Ranch & Coast Magazine for featuring our September 10 event with one of San Diego’s most iconic entertainers.

Join us at the San Diego History Center for a rare chance to hear The Famous San Diego Chicken speak and share stories from his legendary career.

📰 Read the feature: https://bit.ly/SDHC_RanchAndCoast

🎟️ Then grab your tickets and join us September 10: https://bit.ly/SDHC_SDChicken

🎨🍷 Your Thursday Night Plans Are Set!Paint, sip, and spend an evening getting creative with the San Diego History Center...
09/01/2026

🎨🍷 Your Thursday Night Plans Are Set!

Paint, sip, and spend an evening getting creative with the San Diego History Center! Join us this Thursday, September 3, at Gossip Grill for a fun night inspired by one of Balboa Park’s most influential figures.

Artist Maira Meza will guide you through creating your own colorful palm tree painting inspired by Kate Sessions, whose passion for plants helped shape the landscape of Balboa Park and San Diego.

Come with friends, order your favorite drink, and leave with a piece of art you created yourself. Beginners are absolutely welcome!

🖌️ Painting supplies are included
📅 Thursday, September 3
📍 Gossip Grill | 1220 University Ave.
🎟️ $40 per person

Only a few days to go—don’t miss your chance to join us!

🎟️ Get your tickets: https://gossipgrill.com/event/sd-history-center-paint-sip/

We Will Be Open On Labor Day!Spend part of your Labor Day exploring San Diego’s story! The San Diego History Center in B...
09/01/2026

We Will Be Open On Labor Day!

Spend part of your Labor Day exploring San Diego’s story! The San Diego History Center in Balboa Park will be open and ready to welcome you.

As we celebrate the holiday, we also honor the generations of workers whose dedication and contributions have helped shape San Diego and communities across the country.

Stop by, explore our exhibitions, and discover more of the people, places, and stories that make our region unique including:

Changing Terrain: Regional Artists Interpret Our Landscape — See Southern California and Baja through the eyes of regional artists exploring landscape, culture, community, and change.

America at 250: San Diego 1776–2026 — Discover 250 years of American history through the people, objects, and defining moments connected to San Diego.

San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods — Explore the stories of communities transformed or displaced by development and changing city landscapes.

Be Here Now — Experience artworks that celebrate the diversity and creativity of artists showcasing San Diego through their unique perspectives and artistic expression.

Balboa Park Film — Enjoy a free 30-minute film exploring the history and enduring legacy of Balboa Park.

📍 San Diego History Center | Balboa Park
📅 Labor Day
🕙 Open 10 AM–4 PM

Address

1649 El Prado, Ste 3
San Diego, CA
92101

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+16192326203

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