Museum, archives, programs

Greater La Mesa history, organized for today.

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.

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News Current stories, announcements and History Center updates. Events Public programs, meetings, tours and community activities. Historic Research Why Researching Your Property's History Is Worth the Effort Walking Tour Downtown La Mesa history told through 12 plaques.

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Hot Summer History Nights - Aug 13

Join board members James Newland and Veronica Martzahl as they illuminate the realities of historic preservation and share information on History Center services and activities.

News

Summer Hangouts at Bougie's

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

People sat and stood around an outdoor table celebrating

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Photos from Annual Meeting 2026

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

Social Updates

Explore downtown La Mesa

Our mobile app is the best companion for the 12-plaque walking tour: map-first, plaque-focused, and with location-aware guidance.

View tour

Walking Tour map in the La Mesa History Center mobile app

12 plaque stops

Downtown La Mesa Walking Tour

Use the app for the best route, plaque details, and walking directions.

Interactive map for all plaque locations
Plaque details
Location aware guidance

Preview the tour

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play

Programs

Events

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News

Hot Summer History Nights - Aug 13

Join board members James Newland and Veronica Martzahl as they illuminate the realities of historic preservation and share information on History Center services and activities.

Events

Silent Movie Night - July 18

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.

Flyer promoting Bougie's Cheese Shop Hot Summer Nights with the History Center

News

Hot Summer History Nights

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.

Outlook Avenue

Newsletters

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Greater La Mesa history, organized for today.

News

Hot Summer History Nights - Aug 13

Summer Hangouts at Bougie's

Photos from Annual Meeting 2026

Social Updates

La Mesa History Center Instagram

La Mesa History Center Instagram

La Mesa History Center Instagram

Explore downtown La Mesa

Downtown La Mesa Walking Tour

Events

Hot Summer History Nights - Aug 13

Silent Movie Night - July 18

Hot Summer History Nights

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Spring 2026 Newsletter

Winter 2026 Newsletter

Fall 2025 Newsletter