Alpine Historical Society

John DeWitt Historic Museum and Library

Located in the mountain community of Alpine, approximately twenty miles east of San Diego, the Alpine Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of the Alpine area.

Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum

The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum collects, preserves and displays examples of mechanical ingenuity and crafts associated with the early days of the American farm and rural community. The Museum offers educational and recreational opportunities to the public through exhibits, demonstrations, activities and programs displaying the art of invention fulfilling necessity.

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center

Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Visitor Center exhibits on the cultural history of the region, focusing on Native American occupation and Early American settlement.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a National Historic Landmark District and the nation's largest urban cultural park, with over a dozen museums, multiple performing arts venues, historic architecture and gardens. Walking tours are offered through the Balboa Park Visitors Center and the San Diego History Center.

Barona Cultural Center and Museum

San Diego County's first museum on an Indian reservation dedicated to the perpetuation and presentation of the local Kumeyaay-Diegueno Native culture.

Bonita Museum & Cultural Center

Bonita Historical Society

The Bonita Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, for public education and enjoyment, the culture, history, arts, crafts, and aesthetic facets of the region, specifically EI Rancho de la Nacion in South San Diego County.

Cabrillo National Monument

There are magnificent views from this spot at the end of Catalina Blvd on Point Loma; Ranger conducted activities on gray whales, Old Point Loma Lighthouse, local military history, tide pools, slide shows and movies.

California Missions Foundation

The California Missions Foundation is dedicated to preserving the historical California Missions and their associated historical and cultural resources for the public benefit. California Surf Museum

The California Surf Museum serves as an international repository and resource center on the lifestyle sport of surfing through capturing, preserving, and chronicling its art, culture and heritage for the education and enjoyment of future generations.

California State Historical Landmarks in San Diego County

Properties of historical importance in California are currently deSignated as significant resources in three state registration programs: State Historical Landmarks, Points of Historical Interest, and the California Register of Historic Places. This is a list of the State Historical Landmarks for San Diego County.

Camp Callan Research Project

Dedicated to preservation of the history of the WWII Army camp where the Torrey Pines Golf Course stands today.

Camp Pendleton Historical Society

The Camp Pendleton Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich and colorful history of the land that is now Camp Pendleton including prehistoric times, native American culture, the Spanish mission era, the rancho story, and finally, the United States Marine Corps ownership since 1942.

Carlsbad Historical Society

The Carlsbad Historical Society was established in 1975 to preserve, promote, and enhance knowledge of the surrounding area's history, significant landmarks, institutions and memorabilia.

Chula Vista Genealogical Society

The purpose of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society is to promote general interest in the related fields of genealogy, history, and heraldry by individual and group effort. This Society draws members from the city of Chula Vista and surrounding communities of southern San Diego County.

Chula Vista Heritage Museum

The Chula Vista Heritage Museum is a branch of the Chula Vista Public Library and is supported by the Friends of the Heritage Museum, a chapter of the Friends of the Chula Vista Library. Its mission is to preserve and promote Chula Vista's history through photographs, artifacts and educational activities.

Committee of One Hundred

Dedicated to the preservation of Spanish Colonial Architecture in Balboa Park. Congress of History of San Diego and Imperial Counties. The Congress of History of San Diego & Imperial Counties provides unity and coordinates the educational efforts of member organizations interested in promoting a greater awareness of the history of San Diego and Imperial Counties and outlying regions among its members and the general public.

Cooley Museum "Frank the Train Man"

Rare antique automobiles, toys, standard gauge trains, cameras, phonographs and more are all on display in the privately operated museum of Jim A. Cooley.

Coronado Historical Association

The Coronado Historical Association was founded in 1969 to help people understand and appreciate Coronado's unique history, art, architecture, and historical resources.

Daughters of the American Revolution, San Diego Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution members are a diverse group who are all direct descendants of Revolutionary War patriots and are bound together with pride in inheritance and love of country.

Descendants of Early San Diego

Descendants of Early San Diego's mission is to promote, preserve and foster the cultural heritage of early San Diego ancestors and descendants.

Deer Park Automotive Museum

The Deer Park Auto Museum tells the story of Americana, centered around a century of automobile production that changed our nation, starting with the carriages of the 1800's through the muscle cars of the 1970's.

Del Mar Historical Society

The Del Mar Historical Society was founded in 1985 with the mission to discover, record, collect, preserve, perpetuate, and display for public benefit the historical facts, artifacts, properties, and other material concerning the history of the village of Del Mar.

EI Cajon Historical Society

Knox House Museum

The mission of EI Cajon Historical Society is to gather, preserve, and protect historical records and personal publications about those living in and around the EI Cajon Valley.

Encinitas Historical Society

The Encinitas Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the City's rich past though its research, library, programs, exhibits and publications. Founded in the early 1980's, the Society was initially only concerned with saving the Old Schoolhouse but now aim is to serve the community in honoring and preserving the Encinitas heritage.

Escondido Genealogical Society

The purpose of the Escondido Genealogical Society is to promote interest in genealogy, assist members and others in their research, and provide books, film, and other material for the collection at The Pioneer Room.

Escondido History Center

The Escondido History Center collects and preserves the history of its community, and exhibits and interprets this history in its Heritage Walk Museum.

Fallbrook Historical Society

Fallbrook History Museum

The Fallbrook Historical Society was chartered in 1976 and is dedicated to collecting, preserving and displaying the history and artifacts of the Fallbrook area.

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum

The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum aims to assist with the preservation, documentation and display of artifacts and memorabilia, teach the values and history of Marine Corps aviation to all generations and inspire visitors with the courage and character of Marine Corps aviation personnel

Friends of Carrillo Ranch

Leo Carrillo Ranch is a designated Historic National Landmark in Carlsbad that was opened to the public in August 2003 thanks to the support of the Friends of Carrillo Ranch.

Friends of Presidio Park

Friends of Presidio Park is dedicated to supporting conservation and management of the historic, cultural, and natural resources of San Diego's publicly owned Presidio Park.

Friends of the Pioneer Room

The Friends of the Pioneer Room supports the Escondido Public Library's local history collection through organized fundraising projects such as the sale of the Pioneer Room Calendar each year. The group also sponsors local history an~ genealogy events.

Friends of Los Peiiasquitos Canyon Preserve

The Friends of Los Peiiasquitos Canyon Preserve preserves and protects the restored Los Penasquitos Ranch House and the beautiful canyon.

Friends of the Villa Montezuma

A 1887 Victorian house museum, built by musician and spiritualist Jesse Shepard located in Sherman Heights Historic District.

Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation

The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation provides San Diego residents and visitors with informative museum exhibits, programs and tours offered through the Davis-Horton House, the oldest standing residence in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Heritage of the Americas Museum

Heritage of the Americas Museum is an educational and cultural center featuring the prehistoric and historic art, culture, and natural history of the Americas.

Heritage County Park

Heritage County Park is a County of San Diego Park adjacent to Old Town featuring several restored Victorian homes and San Diego's first synagogue, Temple Beth Israel.

Heritage Park Village Museum

Heritage Park was created in the 1970's as a permanent and perpetual symbol of Oceanside's heritage.

Horseless Carriage Foundation, Inc

The Horseless Carriage Foundation, Inc. (HCFI) was established in 1985 to make automobile research and .restoration information readily available to hobbyists, restorers, and scholars worldwide.

Italian Genealogy Society of San Diego

The purpose of the Italian Genealogy Society of San Diego is to promote the study and preservation of Italian family history, offer those of Italian heritage an .opportunity to meet in person and share information about Italian genealogical research, and assist those searching their Italian ancestry by sharing Italian genealogical research experience.

Italian Historical Society of San Diego

The Italian Historical Society of San Diego is preserving Italian heritage and creating' a lasting historical tableau through research, archival work,and historical projects, exhibitions, and events coordinated in conjunction with local universities and other organizations.

Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego

The Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego recognizes the contributions Japanese Americans have made to the San Diego region by preserving and making available artifacts, photographs, and other information chronicling their history and experiences.

Jewish Historical Society of San Diego

In 1999, the Jewish Historical Society of San Diego Archives was established, consisting of documents, papers, letters, books, photographs, and other materials that Jewish people have collected over the years about themselves and their lives here in San Diego.

Julian Pioneer Museum

The Julian Pioneer Museum collection includes historical artifacts throughout the museum provide a visual narrative of Julian history from 1869 to the turn of the last century.

Junípero Serra Museum

Operated by the San Diego History Center since 1928, the Junípero Serra Museum is an iconic regional landmark. Located in the National Historic Landmark Presidio Park, the Serra sits on one of the most significant historical sites on the West Coast, where both San Diego and California were founded. Permanent exhibits and programs. With its renowned architecture and historic setting, the Serra is one of San Diego's preferred wedding and event sites.

La Jolla Historical Society

The La Jolla Historical Society is dedicated to the discovery, collection and preservation of La jolla's heritage. Through their collections, programs and advocacy, we carry out our mission by: Discovering, recording and sharing La jolla's history; preserving La jolla's historical objects, sites and structures; and increasing community awareness of the value of our heritage.

La Mesa Historical Society

The La Mesa Historical Society Mission is to promote, collect and educate on and about the history of La Mesa and its area of historical influence for the benefit of the community through the McKinney House Museum, Historical Archives and public programs.

La Playa Trail Association

The La Playa Trail Association was founded to commemorate the oldest European trail along the Pacific Coast. The Trail stretches from the harbor entrance to the Mission San Diego de Alcala in Mission Valley, and beyond.

Lakeside Historical Society

The Lakeside Historical Society was founded in 1972 and is dedicated to the preservation and education of Lakeside's diverse history.

Lambda Archives of San Diego

The mission of the Lambda Archives of San Diego is to collect, preserve, and teach the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in the San Diego and Northern Baja California region.

Lemon Grove Historical Society

The Lemon Grove Historical Society maintains and operates the H. Lee House and Parsonage Museum historic sites located in Lemon Grove's Civic Center Park.

Los Californianos

Los Californianos was organized by their descendants to preserve the Hispanic heritage of Alta California (history, music, culture, infrastructure, etc.) and to help other descendants compile their Hispanic genealogy.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Museum and Foundation

The MCRD Museum's focus is the history of the Marine Corps in the 20th and 21st centuries, as well as the history of the Marines in Southern California. The MCRD Museum also maintains a Reference Center, that includes an Archives and a Research Library.

Marston House

Operated by Save Our Heritage Organisation and furnished in the style of the American Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century, George W. and Anna Gunn Marston's home was designed by architects Irving Gill and William Hebbard.

Mission Hills Heritage

Mission Hills Heritage's mission is to preserve and protect the character, charm and historic resources of Mission Hills, assuring that development projects harmonize with the established community.

Mission San Diego de Alcala

San Diego de Alcala; the first of the twenty-one California Missions, marks the birthplace of Christianity in the west coast of the United States. Today the Mission, which was founded in 1769, serves as an active parish church and cultural center for people of all faiths who are welcome to visit and relive the grandeur and excitement of more than two centuries of California history and tradition.

Mission San Antonio de Pala

Mission was founded in 1816 as an "asistencia" to the Mission San Luis Rey. Unique freestanding bell tower is modeled after one in Juarez, Mexico. Mission Pala is still in active service and is the only Mission to have remained in continuous service as was originally established ministering a native population.

Mission San Luis Rey

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is the 18th in the chain of 21 California Missions established by the Spanish Franciscans. The history of the San Luis Reyarea reflects five periods of occupation: Luisefio Indian, Spanish Mission, Mexican Secularization, American Military, and Twentieth Century Restoration.

Mountain Empire Historical Society

The Mountain Empire Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, conserving, and promoting the history of the Mountain Empire Region. Its primary purpose is to provide for the education of the public to the unique cultural and natural history of the region. Its operating arm, the Gaskill Brothers' Stone Store Museum in Campo shall provide for the collection, interpretation, and conservation of the material culture, as well as the written and oral history of the region.

National City Kile Morgan Local History Room

Block of restored homes, townhouses and Kimball House museum.

North San Diego County Genealogical Society

The North San Diego County Genealogical Society's mission is to encourage study and research in genealogy and local history. The Society sponsors programs designed to provide information and continuing education on genealogy research topics.

North Park Historical Society

North Park Historical Society's mission is to help preserve North Park's architectural and cultural history through research, education, and outreach.

Ocean Beach Historical Society

OBHS preserves O.B.'s history through the Sea Scrolls, archives, programs and public events. The OBHS Archive volunteers research, collect, preserve, and make available to the public information, artifacts, art and memorabilia related to the history of Ocean Beach.

Oceanside Historical Society

Oceanside Historical Society dedicated to the preservation and education of Oceanside's diverse history.

Old Borego Pioneer Society

The Old Borego Pioneer Society preserves and promotes the history of the Anza Borrego community and the surrounding area for the education and enjoyment of residents and future generations.

Old Town State Historic Park

The largest assemblage of historic structures in California
Museums & Historic Buildings:
Altamirano-Pedrorena House
Black Hawk Smithy & Stable
Casa de Bandini
Casa de Estudillo
Casa de Machado y Silva
Casa de Machado y Stewart
Derby-Pendleton House
First San Diego Courthouse
Johnson House
Light-Freeman House
Mason Street School
Old Adobe Chapel (link to SOHO)
Racine and Laramie
Robinson-Rose House
San Diego Union Museum
Seeley Stables
Sheriff's Museum
Silvas-McCoy House
United States House
Wells Fargo History Museum
Wrightington House

Pacific Beach Historical Society

The Pacific Beach Historical Society was founded in 1979.

Pacific Southwest Railroad Museum Association

The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association is dedicated to preserving the physical legacy and the experience of rail transportation. Programs address the historical, social, economic and technical impact of railroading with particular emphasis on railroads of San Diego County and the larger systems with which they connected in the United States and Mexico.

Poway Historical and Memorial Society

Artifacts from the Kumeyaay Indians, adobe bricks, farm tools,and implements, household items and clothing from the 1890s through the 1940s. Photographs, documents, time-line murals and scale models of early Poway.

Ramona Pioneer Historical Society

Ramona Pioneer Historical Society exhibits clothing and antiques, houses biographies, manuscripts and oral history archives and operates the Guy B. Woodward Museum.

Rancho Bernardo Historical Society

The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the local history and increasing public awareness through programs and outreach.

Rancho Buena Vista Adobe

Historic Rancho Buena Vista Adobe, established in 1845 Guided tours, facility rentals and special events are available.

Rancho Guajome Adobe Museum

A 30-room, 7,000 sq. ft. hacienda, built in 1853, is a beautifully restored museum, a state and national historic monument.

Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores

Rancho Santa Margarita history includes key events and figures from the history of California and the nation. The Ranch House has provided shelter and an administrative center for inhabitants of the Rancho Santa Margarita since 1841.

Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society

The Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society's mission is to collect, preserve, research and interpret the documents, photos and artifacts that connect us to Rancho Santa Fe and its past. The opportunity to learn more about the history of this special village is offered through exhibitions, historic sites, the archives, special events, educational programs and publications.

San Diego African American Genealogy Research Group

The purpose of the San Diego African American Genealogy Research Group is to promote interest in, and the study of, genealogy, heraldry, and history with particular emphasis on the challenges unique to the research of African American family histories; To encourage group members to research and record their own family histories through individual and group efforts; And to develop pride in the remarkable achievements African Americans have brought to the American experience.

San Diego Archaeological Center

The San Diego Archaeological Center preserves and curates prehistoric and historic archaeological artifacts. In partnership with Native Americans, the community and other cultural groups, it promotes education and scientific use of archaeological collections.

San Diego County Archaeological Society

The mission of the San Diego County Archaeological Society is to promote public understanding and appreciation of archaeology in general, and to encourage the preservation of the cultural resources of San Diego County.

South Bay Historical Society

The mission of the South Bay Historical Society is to preserve and promote the history of the region of San Diego from National City to the border.

San Diego County Genealogy - GenWeb

The GenWeb Project's purpose is to provide Internet websites for genealogical research in every county and every state of the United States. The site offers records & resources for Genealogy Research for San Diego County and is administered by the San Diego Genealogical Society.

San Diego Electric Railway Association

The San Diego Electric Railway Association (SDERA) is dedicated to the preservation of the history of the San Diego Electric Railway - San Diego's primary streetcar system which operated from the late 1800s to 1949. SDERA is also the operator of the National City Depot, an historic Santa Fe railroad station.

San Diego Firehouse Museum

Founded in 1962, the San Diego Firehouse Museum displays a large collection of antique firefighting equipment and memorabilia dating back 100 years.

San Diego Genealogical Society

The San Diego Genealogical Society exists to promote interest in genealogy and family history in San Diego through providing educational and research opportunities; and collecting, preserving, and publishing San Diego County genealogical and historical records.

San Diego History Center

One of the oldest and largest historical organizations on the West Coast, the San Diego History Center is one of the only institutions dedicated to the heritage of a major American metropolitan region. Located in historic Balboa Park, the History Center presents engaging, family-friendly exhibitions that tell the stories of San Diego. The Research Library, open to the public, is the region's largest repository of historic documents and photographs.

San Diego Jewish Genealogical Society

The San Diego Jewish Genealogical Society promotes interest in genealogy and family history of Jewish populations in San Diego through providing educational and research opportunities; and collecting and preserving San Diego County Jewish genealogical and historical records.

San Diego Maritime Museum

The San Diego Maritime Museum enjoys a worldwide reputation for excellence in restoring, maintaining and operating historic vessels. The museum has one of the world's finest collections of historic ships, including the 1863 Star of India, the replica of the San Salvador, 1898 ferryboat Berkeley and 1904 steam yacht Medea. Research archives and library focused on San Diego and the Pacific.

San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site

San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site evokes Old San Diego and includes hands-on exhibits and resources for learning more about those who served in the Battalion.

San Diego Navy Historical Association

San Diego Navy Historical Association is dedicated to San Diego's Naval heritage through providing education and training programs and education about the US Navy in San Diego.

San Diego Police Historical Association

San Diego Police Museum

San Diego Police Historical Association is a non-profit group of concerned police officers and citizens dedicated to the preservation and display of the proud 160 year history of San Diego city law enforcement.

San Diego Public Library

The Special Collections Room contains the library's California Collection and allows library users to access heritage collections, whether they need resources about San Diego, California, or genealogy. The San Diego Genealogical Society donated its extensive genealogical library collection to the San Diego Public Library.

San Dieguito Heritage Museum

The San Dieguito Heritage Museum was founded in 1988 to collect, preserve and interpret the local history of the San Dieguito River area, including Leucadia, Encinitas, Olivenhain, Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe.

San Marcos Historical Society

The San Marcos Historical Society is dedicated to !he preservation, protection and presentation of San Marco's heritage for the benefit of current and future generations.

Santee Historical Society

The Santee Historical Society explores Santee's past to enrich the present and inspire the future. They connect people to the past by collecting, preserving and sharing Santee's history.

San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park

San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park honors the soldiers who fought in the battle between the U.S. and Californio forces on December 6, 1846 in the midst of the Mexican American War.

Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO)

Through education, advocacy, and stewardship SOHO's mission is to preserve, promote and support preservation ofthe architectural, cultural and historical links and landmarks that contribute to the community identity, depth and character of our region. SOHO operates the following historic sites: Adobe Chapel, Derby-Pendleton House, Marston Museum and Gardens, Santa Ysabel Store and The Feed Store - Antiques & Such, Warner Carrillo Ranch House, and the Whaley House Museum.

Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead

The Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead, owned and operated by the San Dieguito River Park Joint Powers Authority, is a historic site dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the history of the settlement of the San Dieguito River Valley as experienced by the Sikes family during the period from 1869-1899.

Sons of the American Revolution, San Diego Chapter

The Sons of the American Revolution to unite and promote fellowship among the descendants of those that fought and sacrificed to achieve the independence required to institute a free and independent government.

South Coastal Information Center

The SCIC is the primary repository for archaeological site records and reports for San Diego and Imperial counties in Southern California, housing cultural resource records documenting historical and archaeological sites and investigation reports.

Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society

The Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society evolved from the Solana Beach Women's Civic Club that was formed in 1953. The purpose of the Society is to promote civic welfare by artistic and cultural advancement of the community; and to contribute to the education ofthe public through support of historical material and other appropriate activities.

Spreckels Organ Society

The Spreckels Organ Society incorporated in 1988 to preserve, program, and promote the Spreckels Organ as a world treasure for all people.

Spring Valley Historical Society

Built in 1863, the Bancroft Ranch House museum contains memorabilia of Spring Valley history and artifacts from a time when only Kumeyaay inhabited the area.

The Stein Family Farm

The Stein Family Farm is a Living History Farm Museum known as the last cohesive remnant of an original farmstead in the city of National City.

Temecula Valley Historical Society

Founded in 2000, the Temecula Valley Historical Society's mission is to identify, preserve and promote the historical legacy ofthe Temecula Valley and to educate the public about its historical significance.

Temecula Valley Museum

Temecula Valley Museum portrays the stories of the Temecula Valley's past and present through dynamic, fun, and exciting exhibits appealing to both local family audiences and tourists.

University Heights Historical Society

The University Heights Historical Society (UHHS) was established in 1997 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy.

USS Midway Museum

The mission of the USS Midway Museum is to preserve the historic USS Midway and the legacy of those who serve, inspire and educate future generations, and entertain our museum guests.

Valley Center History Museum

Valley Center History Museum maintains an archive of materials on the history of the community, and operates a Museum whose centerpiece is a major exhibition on the California Grizzly Bear.

Vail Ranch Restoration Association

Vail Ranch Restoration Association is dedicated to the preservation of the Historic Vail Ranch Headquarters Site in an area where Temecula originally started. The 4 acre site holds the last remaining portion of the Butterfield Overland Stage Trail and Ft. Yuma Road.

Vista Historical Society

A vital part of Vista's heritage is the Vista Historical Society's Museum at Rancho Minerva.

Whaley House Museum

Located in historic Old Town San Diego, the Whaley House stands today as a classic example of mid-nineteenth century Greek ReviVal architecture.

William B. Kolender Sheriff's Museum

The William B. Kolender San Diego County Sheriff's Museum preserves and promotes the history of the San Diego County Sheriff's Department for the enlightenment and education of visitors of all ages. Museum displays San Diego County Sheriff's Department history and serves as a repository for artifacts, photographs, documents.

Women's Museum of California

The Women's Museum of California's mission is to educate and inspire current and future generations about the experiences and contributions of women by collecting, preserving, and interpreting the evidence of that experience.

Imperial County Historical Society

The Imperial County Historical Society was organized as the Imperial Valley Pioneers Society in 1928 to preserve the life histories of early settlers. While its name has since changed, its ongoing mission is still to preserve the unique development of the irrigated desert and the people who developed the area's modern history.

Imperial Valley College Desert Museum

The mission of the Imperial Valley Desert Museum is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the desert through outstanding collections, research, and educational programs.