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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Where is it Wednesday?  Can you identify this building and tell us what you know about it? #whereisitwednesday #edfletcherwouldknow
LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS YEAR'S TOUR OCTOBER 11TH  10AM-12 NOON
Come find out more about the architects, builders, institutions, and prominent La Mesans featured in this year's La Mesa History Center Home Tour.  Join historian Jim Newland as he details the stories of these "Golden Gems" of La Mesa's Architectural Heritage, including notable architects such as Irving J. Gill, William Wheeler, Arthur G. Lindley and F. D. Harrington.

Lecture will be held at the La Mesa First United Methodist Church at 4690 Palm Avenue on Saturday October 11th from 10am to 12 noon.

Roundtable Admission:  Free for LMHC Members $5 donation for non-members

AND DON'T FORGET TO GET YOUR TICKETS FOR THE 19TH ANNUAL HOME TOUR
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8TH from 9am to 3pm.

LA MESA HISTORY CENTER TOUR featuring Craftsman and other “Classic” Home Styles  in Craftsman, Folk Victorian, and Prairie influenced homes in and around La Mesa’s Downtown Village.

Once again ticket holders will experience some of La Mesa’s most historic, beautiful, and preserved properties that represent the architecture, landscapes, and artisanship that sets La Mesa apart as the “Jewel of the Hills.”

All Tickets holders will be transported to the homes via shuttle buses that run continuously through the tour route. 

This year our Home Tour Shuttle Center will be at the City of La Mesa’s Municipal Parking Lot at the northeast corner of Allison & Date Avenues.
For discounted advance 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 annual membership

NEW SPECIAL 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 of the tour properties with historian Jim Newland.  Features a catered reception.
Friday Night Premium ticket price $125 and includes ticket to Saturday’s tour.
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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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LMHC Fall 2022 Newsletter Cover

2025 Home Tour Sponsors

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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
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