The 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. The History Center was established in 1928 as the San Diego Historical Society, by noted philanthropist, businessman and civic leader George W. Marston. In 1929 the Junípero Serra Museum was dedicated by Marston to house the new institution and its priceless collections of regional history on Presidio Hill, site of the founding of San Diego and California. In 1982, the Historical Society moved its collections and museum operations to Balboa Park and today operates the Junipero Serra Museum for the benefit of citizens and visitors to Presidio Park. In 2010, the San Diego History Center was adopted as the institution’s name.

The History Center is the steward of our heritage and the principal resource for San Diego history—collecting, preserving and displaying unparalleled collections of regional history. No other institution is solely devoted to preserving San Diego’s collective history and enhancing community identity. A unique civic resource committed to public engagement and collaboration, the History Center partners with other museums, San Diego and regional school districts, other historical organizations, media, businesses and corporations to deliver programs to the broadest audience.