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.

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Summer 2025 Newsletter

Posted: June 12, 2025

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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50 Facts about the La Mesa History Center #25: The Yard Sign

The sign welcoming guests to the McKinney House has changed with the times! The original sign is still onsite as part of our collections. The current sign was installed in 2023 and reflects our updated name as well.

50 Facts about the La Mesa History Center #24: Christmas and Holiday Parties

Let's celebrate Christmas in July! One of the most consistant and longest lasting traditions for the organization has been an Annual Open House during the winter holiday session. Members and guests have gathered at the McKinney House across five decades to share tasty treats and stories of La Mesa’s history. Early on the organization’s quilters group would raffle off quilts and other quilted items. In more recent years, the annual raffle has included a variety of themed gift baskets filled with gift cards, spa items, coffee and wine.

What is it Wednesday - This object lives in the bathroom in the McKinney House Museum. Any guesses what it is? #whatisthis

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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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The La Mesa History Center is dedicated to preserving the community's heritage for future generations.

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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