La Mesa History Center

La Mesa History Center

Our mission is to promote, collect and educate on and about the history of Greater La Mesa area for the benefit of the community through the McKinney House Museum, Historical Archives and public programs.
Historical Archives

Latest News

History Roundtable Presentation previewing the 19th Annual Home Tour "Golden Gems of La Mesa"

The La Mesa History Center is proud to present our 19th Annual Home Tour, “Golden Gems of La Mesa,” featuring classic homes in and around La Mesa’s “Downtown Village.”

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“Golden Gems of La Mesa” — 19th Annual Home Tour Information

The La Mesa History Center is proud to present our 19th Annual Home Tour, “Golden Gems of La Mesa,” featuring classic homes in and around La Mesa’s “Downtown Village.”

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Summer 2025 Newsletter

Summer 2025 LMHC Newsletter LMHC Newsletter Summer 2025 PDF Download PDF As sesquicentennial celebrations begin to ramp up to commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, the La Mesa […]

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REMINDER!  NEXT SATURDAY OCTOBER 11TH 10am First United Methodist Church. DON'T MISS IT!
Historian Jim Newland will preview the homes and neighborhoods of the upcoming La Mesa History Center Home Tour.  Come Learn about some of La Mesa’s most historic, beautiful, and preserved properties that represent the distinctive architecture, landscapes, and artisanship that sets La Mesa apart as the “Jewel of the Hills.”

For Home Tour Tickets and information go to lamesahistory.com
Where is it Wednesday?  Can you identify this building and tell us what you know about it? #whereisitwednesday #edfletcherwouldknow
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Where the past meets the present

From its agricultural origins in the late 1800s, its community beginnings, and its short period as a silent-movie mecca in the early 1900s, La Mesa has a rich and colorful past. The La Mesa History Center is dedicated to preserving the community's heritage for future generations.

Rev. Henry A. McKinney House Museum and Society Archives

The La Mesa History Center is reaching out to the community through a number of avenues ranging from educational, historical roundtables and walking tours to hosting and participating in special events including our Annual Home Tour. Come investigate La Mesa’s history with us - we look forward to seeing you soon. Stop by the McKinney House a 1908-built historical landmark on Saturdays from 1 pm - 4 pm (except holidays) and see what LMHC is all about.

Come Learn With Us

From its 19th century origins of cattle and sheep grazing to its period as a silent-movie mecca in 1911-12, La Mesa has a rich and colorful past. Find out more about the history of your community, neighborhood or house at one of our quarterly History Roundtable presentations or at the Research Archives.

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By signing up for the newsletter you will stay informed on upcoming events and important information about La Mesa History Center.
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The La Mesa History Center is dedicated to preserving the community's heritage for future generations.
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LMHC Fall 2022 Newsletter Cover

2025 Home Tour Sponsors

More Popular Views

Lost History - Helix Theater 1954

Rediscover lost, but not forgotten, places and stories from La Mesa’s past such as this warmly remembered movie-theater–opened in 1948 near the corner of La Mesa Blvd and University Avenue.

Murray Manor Kindergartners 1954

From one-room Allison School (opened in 1895) to Grossmont (1920) and Helix (1951) High Schools, churches and other government agencies and civic organizations, La Mesa boasts a proud tradition. Re-live these shared institutions.

Bank of Southern California Building 1927

La Mesa’s architectural heritage features both commercial and residential structures such as this distinctive building located at Palm and La Mesa Blvd. Research historical buildings and houses at our archives
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