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
The Smallest Show on Earth: Paper Theaters Explored, celebrates the long history and recent creative innovations in this unique art form. Open through January 22.
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
12 - 4 PM
Office & Research Center
Monday - Friday
10 AM to 4 PM
Website:
780 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA