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 Vision

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

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.

McKinney House Museum

The McKinney House Museum is a period-furnished facility available for tours and special events. The McKinney House is open every Saturday from 1 to 4 pm (closed holiday weekends). Special, school and group tours can be arranged. Call (619) 466-0107 for further information. Rev. Henry A. McKinney built the home for his family in 1908. The McKinney’s were active in the cultural, educational, commercial and fraternal life of early La Mesa. The house is furnished in the 1908 – 1920 period.  Interested in being a House Docent?  Call us at (619) 466-0107 to sign up for training.

Historical Center Archives

One of LMHC’s most active programs is its historical archives and Palermo Building Research Reading Room. LMHC’s Archival Collections include documents, records, newspapers, artifacts, photographs, video and oral history records focused on the history of La Mesa and its environs. LMHC Archives are open every Saturday from 1 to 4pm (excepting holidays*) or by appointment. Photocopies and photographic image reproductions are available for a fee. LMHC has also authored books, publications and CDs/DVDs and other items relative to the history of La Mesa.

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 fill out the form on the Contact Page to join this enthusiastic group of people.