Meet Me at the McKinney House - Back to School
2023-09-09 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join us at the McKinney House to learn about heading back to school in previous eras. This kid-friendly event will include crafts and hands-on activities.

La Mesa Oktoberfest
2023-09-29 16:00 - 2023-10-01 20:00
Join La Mesa History Center partner, the La Mesa Village Association, for their annual La Mesa Oktoberfest. This event has been attracting Oktoberfest revelers from across Southern California since 1973 and provides festive live music and community activities. This event is scheduled for September 29th (4 - 10pm), September 30th (10am - 10pm), and October 1st (12 - 8pm) and is spread out over nearly 6 city blocks in the heart of downtown La Mesa.

Meet Me at the McKinney House - Lost California event
2023-10-14 14:00 - 15:00
Learn about the latest Arcadia Press Postcard Series book, Lost California, from its author Erik Beck. The postcards in this book reflect a hidden past of California that exists now only on the page. From college gates at Stanford destroyed by the 1906 earthquake and hotels in Catalina, Santa Barbara, and Oakland ravaged by fire to giant redwoods on the coast felled by storms and much of downtown Los Angeles razed in the name of the progress, California's landscape has changed dramatically in the last 125 years. The buildings demolished in San Diego's Balboa Park after the 1915 exposition closed are shown here as is downtown San Francisco before the earthquake and fire of 1906, amusement parks that decorated waterfronts from Long Beach to Santa Monica, and city halls from Anaheim to San Jose. The postcards are from the John and Jane Adams Collection of the San Diego State University Special Collections and Archives.

History Roundtable Lecture: "Preservation Heroes"
2023-10-28 10:00 - 12:00
Learn about the amazing homes, owners, builders, residents, neighborhoods, and artists associated with this year's tour!

The History, Art & Architecture of Mt. Nebo, Boulder Heights, and Porter Hill.

La Mesa Dale School Auditorium

4370 Parks Avenue, La Mesa

Presenter: Jim Newland - historian and author "Images of America: La Mesa"

Roundtable admission is free for LMHC Members and a $5 donation is requested from non-members

Halloween event in conjunction with Trick-or-Treating in La Mesa Village
2023-10-31 16:00 - 18:00
La Mesa History Center partner, the La Mesa Village Association, will host its 5th Annual Halloween in La Mesa Trick-or-Treating event, which will be held on October 31st from 4 - 6pm. Once you've finished filling your treat bag, head over to the McKinney House yard for fall themed crafts and activities to take home.

It will be a spooktacular event as the downtown Village gets into the Halloween spirit by handing out treats to our community. This is a free, family friendly event for all to enjoy. Dress up in costume and trick-or-treat at participating businesses along La Mesa Blvd. between 4th St. - Acacia Ave. and adjacent streets (both sides of Spring St.). Remember to bring your own trick-or-treat bag to collect all those goodies!

17th Annual Home Tour
2023-11-11 09:00 - 15:00
The La Mesa History Center is proud to present our 17th Annual Home Tour, “Preservation Heroes.” Featuring homes surrounding La Mesa Village with their breathtaking views, period decor, inspiring architecture, and beautiful landscapes.

Don't miss the beautiful designs of these fantastic La Mesa homes!

Comfortable shoes are recommended as there is a moderate amount of walking

Platinum Sponsors

Holiday in the Village
2023-12-02 12:00 - 21:00
La Mesa History Center partner, the La Mesa Village Association, will host the La Mesa Holiday in the Village event, which will be held on December 2nd from 12 - 9pm and it will be located in the heart of downtown La Mesa on La Mesa Blvd. between 4th St. - Spring St. This is a free event featuring live music, cozy fires, craft vendors, food, holiday photo opportunities including selfies with Santa, and a kids' area bigger than Santa's Workshop!. Visitors can walk the streets of La Mesa's historic downtown while exploring dozens of local craft vendor stands, then cozy up with artisan and craft food and snack specialties. Relax with friends and family by the fire pits while enjoying holiday caroling, cheerful holiday music, and fun live entertainment from local schools, clubs and more! Please note that parking around the La Mesa History Center and the McKinney House will be impacted by this event, but we will be open from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for research and tours.

2023 Holiday Open House
2023-12-10 14:00 - 16:00
Enjoy holiday refreshments, fun and crafts and a new exhibit!

At the MCKINNEY HOUSE MUSEUM located at 8369 University Avenue (at Pine) in La Mesa Village.

On Sunday December 10, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

Raffle prize drawing at 3:15 pm. Tickets will be available at the event for $10 each.

Free and Everyone Welcome

Meet Me at the McKinney House "Growing History" event
2024-03-09 13:00 - 16:00
Stop by the McKinney House yard for a look a the agricultural history of of the area and pick up a free seed starter kit.

Rolando Street Fair
2024-04-14 10:00 - 18:00
Stop by the La Mesa History Center table at this annual neighborhood street fair event.

La Mesa Farmers' Market
2024-05-10 15:00 - 19:00
Say "hi" at the La Mesa History Center table featured at the La Mesa Farmers' Market.

Meet Me at the McKinney House - Second Saturday event
2024-05-11 13:00 - 15:45
Stop by the McKinney House on Saturday May 11th between 1:00 and 3:45pm for the La Mesa History Center's "Get out and Play" event, highlighting the history of outdoor recreation in La Mesa. This kid-friendly event will include outdoor games and toys in the yard.

La Mesa History Center Annual Meeting
2024-06-23 12:00
Details still under development - time not finalized.

Meet Me at the McKinney House - Second Saturday event
2024-07-13 13:00 - 16:00
Stop by the McKinney House on Saturday July 13th between 1:00 and 4:00pm for our Second Saturday event, highlighting our brand new exhibit featuring the life of Thelma Dixie Kuche, the "Gourd Lady" of La Mesa. We'll have artifacts of Thelma's for you to see and enjoy that aren't normally on display. We hope to see you there!

History Roundtable Presentation
2024-09-28 10:00 - 12:00 | 9001 Wakarusa Street, La Mesa, CA 91942
Join us for a fascinating exploration of Grossmont and Mt. Helix's mid-century architectural heritage supporting the La Mesa History Center's "Peaks of Preservation" Home Tour. Renowned historian and author Jim Newland and Keith York of Modern San Diego will delve into the stories and architecture that shaped our community. Discover the unique characteristics of this era's design and learn about the individuals who contributed to its legacy. The five mid-century homes from this year's tour (November 2, 2024, 9-3 pm) will be featured. This event is close to capacity; registration is suggested.

Location: Grossmont Healthcare District Auditorium 9001 Wakarusa Street, La Mesa, CA 91942

18th Annual Home Tour: "Peaks of Preservation"
2024-11-02 09:00 - 15:00
The La Mesa History Center proudly presents our 18th Annual Home Tour, “Peaks of Preservation,” featuring awe-inspiring homes in Grossmont/Mt Helix with breathtaking views, period decor, inspiring architecture, artistic gems, and beautiful landscapes. Don’t miss the stunning designs of these fantastic Greater La Mesa area homes!

More DetailsNO printed tickets will be issued; please bring a photo ID. All attendees MUST take provided shuttles. NO photography of home interiors will be permitted. Due to the nature of the tour, it is NOT ADA-compliant. Comfortable shoes are recommended as there is a moderate amount of walking.

Are you a Patron, Benefactor, or Jewel Member?Here’s How to Use Your Free Membership Tickets for the Annual Home Tour

Check-in location and parking:Grossmont High School1100 Murray Dr, El Cajon, CA 92020

Check-in opens at 9 AM. You are encouraged to start no later than 12:30 PM to ensure you have enough time to see all the homes.

2024 Home Tour Platinum Sponsors

Rolando Street Fair
2025-03-23 10:00 - 18:00 | Rolando Blvd between El Cajon Blvd and Solita Ave
Stop by the La Mesa History Center's table at one of San Diego’s only neighborhood street fairs. The village of Rolando welcomes all to celebrate the diversity that exists in San Diego communities. This event is organized by the community that hosts it and exits to showcase local talent of all forms, from crafts, to food, to music. This all day event is free to attend, including a full line up of local of bands.

La Mesa Earth Day
2025-04-19 11:00 - 16:00 | McKinney House Museum and Research Archives, 8369 University Avenue, La Mesa, California, 91942, United States
As part of the La Mesa Earth Day festivities, the McKinney House will open early on Saturday, April 19th. Stop by for a tour of the house and pick up a packet of seeds.

The 2024 Earth Day Fair featured over 60 vendors showcasing sustainable products and resources to help make a positive impact on the environment and this year's event looks to be just as fantastic.

Community Archiving Event
2025-05-03 10:00 - 16:00 | McKinney House Museum and Research Archives, 8369 University Avenue, La Mesa, California, 91942, United States
Community archiving is a form of collaborative practice in which archivists, historians, and community members work together to document local and community histories and build unique archival collections. Community members are invited to schedule an appointment to bring in up to 10 photographs, documents, or pieces of ephemera to be digitized and to share the stories of the photos for inclusion in the La Mesa History Center's collection.

Schedule your appointment today! https://LMHC-Archiving-Event.eventbrite.com

La Mesa Flag Day Parade
2025-06-14 10:00 - 12:00
Be sure to turn out for the La Mesa Flag Day parade and give a wave to the volunteers and Board members representing the La Mesa History Center in this annual event.

Annual Picnic
2025-06-29 16:00 - 18:00 | McKinney House Museum and Research Archives, 8369 University Avenue, La Mesa, California, 91942, United States
Save the Date! Join the La Mesa History Center for a special 50th Anniversary Celebration Picnic. More details coming soon!

La Mesa Farmers' Market
2025-10-10 15:00 - 19:00
Join us at the La Mesa Farmers' Market to learn more about the upcoming Roundtable and 2025 Home Tour.

History Roundtable Presentation previewing the 19th Annual Home Tour "Golden Gems of La Mesa"
2025-10-11 10:00 - 12:00 | La Mesa First United Methodist Church, 4690 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, California, 91941
Featuring seven of Downtown La Mesa’s Most Notable Landmark properties, and the Architects, Builders, Institutions, and prominent La Mesans that made them home.Program:James Newland: historian and author Images of America: La Mesa and Classic Gems of La Mesa’s Architectural HeritageIncluding the work of notable architects such as Irving J. Gill, William Wheeler, Arthur G. Lindley, F.D. Harrington and pioneering local builders J. D. Davis, Henry Russell, David C. Marker and theDennstedt Company.Roundtable Admission: Free for LMHC Members, $5 donation for non-membersThere is no need to RSVP as we will have plenty of seating available.

19th Annual Home Tour: "Golden Gems of La Mesa"
2025-11-08 09:00 - 15:00
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.” Once again ticket holders will experience some of La Mesa’s most historic, beautiful, and preserved properties featuring awe-inspiring views, period decor, inspiring architecture, artistic charms, lush landscapes, and deep historical roots. Don't miss these fantastic Greater La Mesa area homes!

NOTE: La Mesa History Center members get discounted tickets! Please log into your account to access discounted tickets. Patron & Benefactor members get two (2) free tickets, while Jewel members get four (4).

More Details

NO printed tickets will be issued; please bring a photo ID. All attendees MUST take provided shuttles.

NO photography of home interiors will be permitted. Due to the nature of the tour, it is NOT ADA-compliant. Comfortable shoes are recommended as there is a moderate amount of walking.

Are you a Patron, Benefactor, or Jewel Member?Here’s How to Use Your Free Membership Tickets for the Annual Home Tour

Check-in location and parking:Check-in will be at City of La Mesa Parking Lot at corner of Allison & Date.

Check-in opens at 9 AM. You are encouraged to start no later than 1:00 PM to ensure you have enough time to see all the homes.

Purchase Tickets

2025 Home Tour Platinum Sponsors

Holiday Party
2025-12-14 14:00 - 16:00 | McKinney House x, 8369 University Avenue, La Mesa, California, 91942
Join us at the McKinney House for our annual Holiday Party. One of the earliest traditions of our organization, the annual Holiday Party brings our community together for food, fun and fellowship.
