The La Mesa History Center Is

• an all-volunteer organization, incorporated in 1975, with officers and directors elected by the general membership of the organization.
• a not-for-profit, tax-exempt, public benefit, educational California corporation, and exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (Tax ID 95-2984773)
• funded by annual membership dues, contributions, bequests and memorials, grants and fund-raising events.
• actively collecting additional archival materials and objects associated with the history of La Mesa
• engaged with the La Mesa community and other civic institutions.
• an active advocate for historic preservation of La Mesa’s cultural resources.
• one of La Mesa’s hidden gem institutions.
• the sum of its membership and volunteer’s effort.

The La Mesa History Center Mission

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.

The Greater La Mesa area includes the communities of Grossmont, Mt Helix, Casa de Oro, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego and Fletcher Hills along with San Diego’s College Neighborhoods, Rolando, Del Cerro, and San Carlos, all of which share associated histories.

The La Mesa History Center Vision

An organization actively engaged in preserving La Mesa’s unique heritage for future generations to see and enjoy.

Become a Volunteer With The Center

Volunteers are an integral part of the Center. Opportunities include serving as a docent in the McKinney House Museum or on the Home Tour, archival and collection work, writing and graphics, video editing, fundraising, historic preservation, and facility maintenance. If you are interested in volunteering please call the archives at (619) 466-0197 or email volunteers@lamesahistory.com to join this enthusiastic group of people.