Barona Cultural Center & Museum
This unique museum, located within the Barona Indian reservation near Lakeside, is dedicated to preserving the Native American culture and history of San Diego County. The Museum’s impressive collection includes more than 3,500 artifacts (some dating back 10,000 years), 2,000 pieces of archival materials, 3,000 books, and 40,000 photographs that tell the inspiring stories of the Kumeyaay/Diegueño experience. During Museum Month, explore their most recent exhibit, Peyii ‘Enyeway ‘Esekaayches (We Are Still Here), a timeline approach to understanding Kumeyaay history, curated by eighth-grade students from Barona Indian Charter School. Show your Museum Month pass during February for a 20% discount at the Museum Store, which carries handmade basketry and pottery crafted by Kumeyaay/Diegueño artisans, as well as rabbit sticks, bow-quiver-arrow sets, arrow points and more. (Note: Admission to the Museum is always free.)
Heritage of the Americas Museum
Located on the campus of Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego, the Museum is a cultural and educational center featuring the prehistoric and historic art and culture of the Americas and natural history of the world. A visit to the Museum is like taking a journey through time, beginning in the Natural Wing, with collections of meteorites, gems and minerals and fossils from all over the world. The Archaeology Wing contains an amazing collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from throughout the Americas. The Anthropology Wing features artifacts from the last two centuries after the arrival of the Europeans. The biggest surprise comes from in the Art Wing, which began as a collection of more recent Western Art, with many noted artists represented. Now, it also includes an exceptional collection of Chinese artifacts, with dynastic jade pieces, including a 2,000 year-old jade burial suit from the Han Dynasty. The Museum’s collection also extends outdoors, with a botanic garden featuring both tropic and desert plants. (Note: Check the Museum’s website before visiting to check any closure updates.)
Did you know that the Lemon Grove Historical Society runs a museum dedicated to the city’s history? The Lemon Grove Parsonage Museum, which is housed in a quaint redwood Folk Victorian building that once served as the city’s first church, transports visitors back in time to when lemon orchards and packing houses were the lifeblood of the city. The Museum is open to visitors every Saturday or by appointment on weekdays. During Museum Month, check out the Treganza Family in the Hunter Gallery. The Treganzas gave the City its iconic “Big Lemon,” deep horticulture roots, landmarked historic sites, military heroes and even the San Diego Players, which became The Old Globe Theater. You can also join the Museum on February 53(7:00 PM) for its History Alive series, which will be held at the adjacent H. Lee House Cultural Center. This event is free and open to guests 16 and over. (Admission to the Museum is by donation. Children under 12 are free.)
