La Mesa History Center

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

LMHC McKinney House

Latest News

Hot Summer History Nights

Join board members Veronica Martzahl and James Newland as they bring La Mesas fascinating history to life and share information on History Center services and activities.

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Annual Meeting & Picnic 2026

Join us for food and fun as we wrap up our celebration of 50 years of the La Mesa History Center and commemorate 250 years of the United State of America! Our family friendly […]

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Spring 2026 Newsletter

Looking Back and Moving Forward - Veronica Martzahl looks back at the tremendous progress the La Mesa History Center has accomplished in the past four years through the dedication and efforts of its
committed Board and enthusiastic membership.

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Can you hear the crack of the bat? This is a tricky one.  Where and when was this taken?  #whereisitwednesday #summerfun☀️😎
DON'T MISS IT!  SILENT MOVIE NIGHT RETURNS!  GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!
THIS SATURDAY JULY 18TH 6:30pm at TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 
3902 KENWOOD DRIVE, SPRING VALLEY.
Experience La Mesa's Pioneering Movie History with two one-reel 1911 locally-made silent movies and a 1916 Douglas Fairbanks feature, all accompanied by organist Russ Peck on the San Diego Theater Organ Society's historic Wurlitzer 4/24 Theater Pipe Organ!!!
Historian Jim Newland will open with a short history of legendary director Allen Dwan and the Flying A film troupes time in La Mesa 1911-12.
Tickets at lamesahistory.com
$25 per ticket, $20 for LMHC and TOSSD members.
Join us tonight at 7 pm on the patio at Bougie's (4679 Date Ave) for a glass of wine and a talk about local history. #historyisfun #lamesavillage
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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.

Subscribe to our mailing list

By signing up for the newsletter you will stay informed on upcoming events and important information about La Mesa History Center.
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Showcase

The La Mesa History Center is dedicated to preserving the community's heritage for future generations.
Flag Day
LMHC Fall 2022 Newsletter Cover

2025 Home Tour Sponsors

More Popular Views

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
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