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

 Fall 2025 Newsletter
Posted: October 9, 2025

Fall 2025 LMHC Newsletter LMHC Newsletter Fall 2025 PDF Download PDF Another busy summer has flown by for the La Mesa History Center and what a tremendous summer it was. […]

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History Roundtable Presentation previewing the 19th Annual Home Tour "Golden Gems of La Mesa"
Posted: September 29, 2025

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
Posted: August 30, 2025

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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@lamesahistorycenter
What is it Wednesday? This piece of furniture resides in the McKinney House Museum kitchen. What is it called and what was it used for? Be as specific as possible. #callingallcooksandchefs #HistoricalTreasures #WhatIsItWednesday

What is it Wednesday? This piece of furniture resides in the McKinney House Museum kitchen. What is it called and what was it used for? Be as specific as possible. #callingallcooksandchefs #HistoricalTreasures #WhatIsItWednesday

50 Facts about the La Mesa History Center # 41: Charter Members Within six months of incorporation, the membership of the La Mesa Historical Society had nearly 200 individual members and group sponsors. The original membership fees were: Lifetime - $100.00 Patron - $25.00 Sponsor - $10.00 Individual - $5.00 Student - $1.00

50 Facts about the La Mesa History Center # 41: Charter Members
Within six months of incorporation, the membership of the La Mesa Historical Society had nearly 200 individual members and group sponsors. The original membership fees were:
Lifetime - $100.00
Patron - $25.00
Sponsor - $10.00
Individual - $5.00
Student - $1.00

SPECIAL TOUR OPPORTUNITY FRIDAY NIGHT PREMIUM HOME TOUR TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE La Mesa History Center is also offering a limited number of tickets for the Friday Night Pre-Tour and Reception — November 7th, 6:00-9:00PM Get a chance to meet and thank the Homeowners and get a guided tour with historian Jim Newland. Friday Night Premium ticket price $125 and includes Saturday’s tour. TOUR DAY RAFFLE! Fabulous Raffle Prize Basket opportunities will be available at the Shuttle Center Check-In. $10 tickets for a chance to win big and support the History Center. For discounted advance Home Tour tickets go to lamesahistory.com Pre-Event Ticket Prices: History Center Members $30 Non-Members $40 Patron & Benefactor Members Receive 2 Home Tour Tickets with membership

SPECIAL TOUR OPPORTUNITY
FRIDAY NIGHT PREMIUM HOME TOUR TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE
La Mesa History Center is also offering a limited number of tickets for the Friday Night Pre-Tour and Reception — November 7th, 6:00-9:00PM
Get a chance to meet and thank the Homeowners and get a guided tour with historian Jim Newland.
Friday Night Premium ticket price $125 and includes Saturday’s tour.

TOUR DAY RAFFLE!
Fabulous Raffle Prize Basket opportunities will be available at the Shuttle Center Check-In.
$10 tickets for a chance to win big and support the History Center.

For discounted advance Home Tour tickets go to lamesahistory.com
Pre-Event Ticket Prices: History Center Members $30 Non-Members $40
Patron & Benefactor Members Receive 2 Home Tour Tickets with membership

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La Mesa History Center

There are many ways to explore and engage with La Mesa's history and the History Center.
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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.
Flag Day
LMHC Fall 2022 Newsletter Cover

2025 Home Tour Sponsors

Andrea Flint-Gogek, Realtor
La Mesa Lumber
Tracey Stotz Broker
La Mesa Village Association
Urbana Preservation Planning

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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