Museum, archives, programs
We 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.
Latest
Experience La Mesa's Pioneering Movie History with two one-reel 1911 locally-made silent movies and a 1916 Douglas Fairbanks feature, all accompanied by organist Russ Peck on the San Diego Theater Organ Society's historic Wurlitzer 4/24 Theater Pipe Organ!!! Historian Jim Newland will open
For the last couple of months board members Veronica Martzahl and James Newland have brought La Mesa's fascinating history to life, while also sharing information on History Center services and activities. Guests have enjoyed world-class wines along with artisan and farm craft cheeses on the beautiful patio
Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Meeting and Picnic, on June 14, 2026. We celebrated of 50 years of the La Mesa History Center and commemorated 250 years of the United States of America! Award Winners * 2026 Volunteer of the Year: Veronica Martzahl * 2026 Preservationists of the Year:
Community
DON'T MISS IT! SILENT MOVIE NIGHT RETURNS! GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! THIS SATURDAY JULY 18TH 6:30pm at TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 3902 KENWOOD DRIVE, SPRING VALLEY. Experience La Mesa's Pioneering Movie History with two one-reel 1911 locally-made silent movies and a 1916 Douglas Fairbanks
Join us tonight at 7 pm on the patio at Bougie's (4679 Date Ave) for a glass of wine and a talk about local history. #historyisfun #lamesavillage Link to original Instagram post
Buy tickets now at lamesahistory.com #silentmovie #lamesa #blackandwhitefilms Link to original Instagram post
Walking Tour
Our mobile app is the best companion for the 12-plaque walking tour: map-first, plaque-focused, and with location-aware guidance.
12 plaque stops
Use the app for the best route, plaque details, and walking directions.
Programs
Experience La Mesa’s pioneering motion picture roots with San Diego organist Russ Peck accompanying historic silent films on the San Diego Theater Organ Society’s historic Wurlitzer 4/24 Theater Pipe Organ.
Join board members Veronica Martzahl and James Newland as they bring La Mesas fascinating history to life and share information on History Center services and activities.
Join us for food and fun as we wrap up our celebration of 50 years of the La Mesa History Center and commemorate 250 years of the United State of America! Our family friendly event will include a photo booth, games and crafts! RSVP RSVP so we can plan food
Outlook Avenue
Looking Back and Moving Forward - Veronica Martzahl looks back at the tremendous progress the La Mesa History Center has accomplished in the past four years through the dedication and efforts of its committed Board and enthusiastic membership.
From stamped sidewalks to sold-out home tours, the La Mesa History Center is hitting the ground running in 2026!
Another busy summer has flown by for the La Mesa History Center and what a tremendous summer it was. Around sixty of our members gathered for our Annual Meeting on June 29th to kick off our year-long 50th anniversary celebration! We launched our new exhibit highlighting our anniversary year!