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

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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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Happy 4th of July!

Where is it Wednesday? This one might be too easy for locals. It is a current photo of a beloved place that looks much like it did when it opened in 1961. Where is it and what do you know about it? Share some old photos if you have them. #WhereIsItWednesday #historylovers

50 Facts about the La Mesa History Center #22: The McKinney House Pine Tree

The history of the pine tree on the McKinney family lot is a long one. In its 103 year life, the tree grew to truly majestic heights. By late 2018, the tree had fallen victim to a beetle infestation. While the original tree is gone, it is not forgotten. A bench made from the trunk sits facing its original location. A replacement tree did not survive. However, a third tree, financed by a generous anonymous donor, is standing tall.

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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