Enjoy your museum in South Bay San Diego, The Bonita Museum contains two large galleries for visitors to view history, art, and cultural exhibits. The front gallery presents a portion of the museum’s permanent collection which depicts the history of the region including Rancho de la Nacion ranchos and the Sweetwater Valley. The larger second gallery presents changing exhibits such as local contemporary art, history and cultural exhibitions.
The Bonita Historical Society is dedicated to preserve, for public education and enjoyment, the culture, history, art, crafts, and aesthetic facets of the region, specifically El Rancho de la Nacion in South San Diego County. Entry is free to the museum
Highlights:
Proctor Valley Monster Footprint
Paleontology of the Sweetwater Valley and San Diego
Sculpture of San Diego Symphony conductor Mastro Jahja Ling
Mehl Lawson, Cowboy Artists of America sculpture
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
Walking in Beauty, Life as Ceremony – MMIW
Nov.8 – Nov. 30, 2025
Honoring Ceremony: Sat. Nov. 8, 4pm to 8pm
Curators: Way of the Sacred Mountains
Walking In Beauty, Life as Ceremony is a new exhibition at the Bonita Museum and Cultural Center displaying information about missing and murdered indigenous warriors Organized and curated by Artivists Way of the Sacred Mountain organization, Teyana Viscarra and Norm Sands with Heather Gallana, Indigenous Cultures Educator at the museum. The Honoring Ceremonies with blessings will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 4pm – 8pm.
Way of the Sacred Mountain is an Indigenous-led, grassroots partnership that breaks the silence on the brutal truths of the past and the continuing injustices of the present through their ongoing efforts to raise awareness of crucial issues impacting Indian Country, especially the crisis of MMIW, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Warriors. They provide a safe space and a call for healing through prayer, action and remembrance.
website: https://bonitahistoricalsociety.org/walking-in-beauty-life-as-ceremony/
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History Gallery: Vitaliano Victa Vallar (1920 – 2005) , U.S. Navy Portraiture 1940’s to 1950’s
Nov. 8 – Dec. 25, 2025
Reception: Sat. November 29, 2 – 4pm
A Journey into Military and Artistic Legacy with Curator Nestor Vallar
Embarking on a discovery that marries history and art, Nestor Vallar has dedicated seven years to unveiling the extraordinary story of his father, Vitaliano Vallar (. This journey is not only a personal exploration of family heritage but also an insightful window into the military past and artistic expression of the mid-20th century.
Vitaliano Vallar’s life was a tapestry woven with rich military service and passionate artistry. Stationed in Hawaii during the 1940s and 1950s, he experienced pivotal moments in history while simultaneously cultivating his talent as a painter. Nester’s quest has taken him across continents in search of his father’s scattered paintings, while reconnecting with those who knew Vitaliano during his time in service. Through these encounters and discoveries, Nester pieces together a narrative that reflects both the discipline and creativity that defined his father’s life.
For those intrigued by history, art, or the profound connections of family legacy, Nester’s journey offers a compelling example of how personal and public histories intertwine. It reveals how military experiences can influence creative work and how art can serve as a lasting record of one’s life and era. This odyssey is a testament to the power of persistence, the importance of storytelling, and the enduring impact of a single individual across multiple strands of history.
As Nester continues to explore and share his father’s legacy, his story invites us to consider our own histories—how the past shapes identity and how uncovering these stories enriches our understanding of both family and culture.
Visit Bonita Museum & Cultural Center
Address:
4355 Bonita Road
Bonita, CA
91902
Phone:
(619) 267-5141
Hours:
Open Wednesday through Saturday
10 am. to 4 p.m.
4355 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA
