Coronado Historical Association

The Coronado Historical Association features a Coronado History Research Center open by appointment only and changing exhibition galleries about the unique history of the community of Coronado. Topics range from the history of the Hotel del Coronado to the birthplace of military aviation on North Island. The history of this unique community led a group of active citizens to establish the Coronado Historical Association in 1969. After over 30 years of collecting and preserving Coronado’s history, CHA moved to the historic Bank of Commerce building at 1100 Orange Avenue thanks to the generosity of Don and Leslie Budinger. In support of its mission, CHA’s special focus is educational programs and outreach. In addition to a year-round schedule of public lectures and other thought-provoking programs for adults, such as a Preservation Symposium every spring, the Coronado Historical Association provides fun educational programs for kids of all ages and Island History Walking Tours. CHA advances learning and stewardship in all by serving as Coronado’s primary center for community history and works actively to foster a Coronado community that is increasingly vibrant, engaged, and resilient.

Current & Upcoming Exhibitions

Coronado Responds: Student Art of the Pandemic

Coronado Historical Association 2020 Virtual Exhibit

As the primary organization that documents Coronado’s history, the Coronado Historical Association began collecting and archiving our community’s response to COVID-19. At the time, this collection was thought to be something that would capture a momentary, passing time in our history. As the world around us evolved, we came to realize this moment would change the near future and be one to remember. Around that time, Coronado’s school children transitioned to virtual classrooms. Despite no longer meeting in person, local students’ learning and creativity didn’t stop.

Students and children of all ages used art and writing to express their feelings and thoughts during this eventful time in our history. CHA worked with local retired teacher Sharon Raffer and Coronado teachers Cynthia Fuhrmann, Karrie Jackson, and Jean Pehrsson to collect materials that documented the response of our community to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 and to the national dialogue about racism. This exhibit pairs student art and writing with some of the many photos and videos donated by community members to CHA’s COVID19 History Collection. CHA continues to actively collect our community’s history happening now. Learn more by visiting the virtual exhibit www.coronadohistoryexhibit.org or www.coronadohistory.org.

The Coronado Historical Association will be transitioning to fall hours (Tuesday-Sunday 11 am to 4:00 pm) on Saturday, September 18, 2021. CHA’s current exhibits “Student Art of the Pandemic” and “Island Icons” will be closing on September 30. The galleries and store will continue to be open at the State of California mandated capacity levels. CHA continues to provide safe online shopping with curbside pickup and free Coronado delivery. Visit https://coronadohistory.org/shop/ to order. Our programs and research services (by appointment only) continue to be actively available. You can find more information about these initiatives at www.coronadohistory.org