The La Jolla Historical Society inspires and empowers the community to make La Jolla’s diverse past a relevant part of contemporary life. The Society preserves and shares La Jolla’s distinctive sense of place and serves as a community resource and gathering place where residents and visitors explore history, art, ideas, and culture.
In our newly renovated Wisteria Cottage galleries, the Society provides high quality, rotating exhibitions that explore the rich culture of La Jolla and interpret history for contemporary audiences. Our education programs include a variety of adult and youth learning opportunities throughout the year. The archive consists of photographs, postcards, architectural drawings, and oral history recordings; plus collections of local newspapers, street and land use files, and business and personal documents. These resources are available to the public at our Office and Research Center. Our mission includes consulting with the City of San Diego regarding historic preservation of properties in La Jolla.
Our public outreach programs include two annual community events. The La Jolla Concours D’Elégance & Motor Car Classic is held in April and welcomes visitors from national and international destinations who come to enjoy the judged competition and learn about automobile history. In May of each year, we present the Secret Garden Tour of La Jolla for visitors from throughout San Diego County and beyond to view private gardens in the community.
Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
Current Exhibition
Kumeyaay Visual Storytelling Project Opens June 14 at La Jolla Historical Society
“Visual storytelling has been a part of Kumeyaay tradition since time immemorial.”
This June 14, the La Jolla Historical Society proudly opens the Kumeyaay Visual Storytelling Project, an immersive exhibition featuring two complementary comics—Our Past, Present, and Future and Beyond Gaming—created by Kumeyaay Tribal Historians Ethan Banegas, Michael Connolly Miskwish, Lorraine Orosco, and Stanley Rodriguez.
These two ways of telling the story each offer a unique perspective. Sometimes, hearing the same story twice is the best way to understand something complex. The creators hope these stories help everyone learn more about our people, our history, and our worldview.
The exhibition is generously supported by the Prebys Foundation, Conboy Family Trust, and Suzan. Learn more about this powerful blend of tradition, art, and storytelling here
Guided Walking Tours
Join us for historic walking tours of La Jolla and experience its unique history, architecture, landscape and more with LJHS Historian, Carol Olten.
Visit La Jolla Historical Society
Address:
Wisteria Cottage | 780 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA
92037
Phone:
(858) 459-5335
Hours:
Wisteria Cottage Galleries
Wednesday - Sunday
Noon - 4 p.m.
Office & Research Center
Monday - Friday
10 AM to 4 PM
Website:
780 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA