Tucked behind the historic Reverend Henry A. McKinney House on University Avenue before it becomes La Mesa Boulevard are the museum and archives of the La Mesa Historical Society. The Palermo Building houses this material.
The society is a nonprofit, volunteer-backed organization that uses no state or city funds. Its board of directors meets monthly, with a general membership meeting quarterly. The society hosts special events three or four times a year, including a Historic Homes Tour.
Officers also can be reached at P.O. Box 882, La Mesa CA 91944.
The Historical Society is a free research library and museum dedicated to the preservation of the history and lore of Napa County. Located in a historic building in downtown Napa which is the oldest library in California still used for its original purpose, the library holdings include books, old city directories, architectural plans, land grants, photographs, and other unique documents. Visitors are encouraged to view the museum and also become members.
The Lemon Grove Historical Society operates out of the Parsonage Museum, a beautifully-preserved yellow and white Victorian home, built in 1897. It occupies City Center Park, next to City Hall, and across from the historic H. Lee House, built in 1928 in Tudor Revival style.
Aside from occasional classes and exhibits, the Historical Society is the place to go to learn about the city's history, dating back to the 1800s. The Lemon Grove Book, detailing the area's past, is for sale here.
Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is located at the edge of Chinatown in a very unassuming little house that is brimming with photos and information about the Chinese-American experience and specifically the history of immigrants to Los Angeles and Southern California in general. The intent of the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California is to "increase awareness of Chinese-American heritage through public programs, education and research." It is celebrating 30 years of contributing to Chinese-American culture and life here in Los Angeles.
Mission San Juan Capistrano is Orange County's most famous non-Disney landmark. Opened a few months after the Declaration of Independence was signed, this magnificent semi-crumbling venue provides tremendous insight to California's pre-statehood years. It's a must-see for history buffs and California school-age children.
Parking and public transportation at Mission San Juan Capistrano
There is no direct parking at the Mission, but there is plenty of free parking within a couple blocks. There is also a Metrolink station two blocks away if you want to take the train instead.
Best and worst time go to Mission San Juan Capistrano
If you want to see the swallows come back to Capistrano, you need to visit the Mission in March. Be wary of visiting on weekdays in April and May, as the venue typically gets particularly crowded with large school groups.
Admission to Mission San Juan Capistrano
It will cost between $6 and $9 to enter the Mission, depending on your age and whether or not you're with a large group. If you're local, you can also pick up an annual pass.
Must see/do at Mission San Juan Capistrano
The ruins of the Mission's Great Stone Church are considered one of California's most remarkable pieces of architecture. The tiny, historic Serra Chapel is still an active place of worship on Sunday mornings. The Native American Museum and Interpretive Room provides a glimpse into pre-mission Orange County life.
Other places to visit near Mission San Juan Capistrano
The Los Rios Historic District, California's oldest neighborhood, is a couple blocks west. If you'd rather soak up some rays, the semi-isolated beach community of San Clemente is a 10-minute drive. You're also about 20 minutes from the art galleries and boutique shops of downtown Laguna Beach.
Insider tip for visitors to Mission San Juan Capistrano
Look for the headstone of Jose Antonio Yorba in the mission's cemetery. Yorba is largely considered to be the father of Orange County, as he and his family were the region's first major settlers.
Rich Manning is a freelance writer based in Orange County, CA. He's been writing about food, drink, and lifestyle in Southern California for over ten years.
The Schindler House is a landmark architectural and historic site in West Hollywood. It was designed by Viennese emigre Rudolf Schindler in the 1920s for his family and other artists. It is considered the first house built in the Modern style. The design of the house was unique for its cooperative live and work spaces, industrial materials and integration of interior and exterior environments. Over its history, the house was a gathering place for progressive and avant-garde artists. The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. It has been operated by the MAK Center for Art and Architecture since 1994. The organization is a satellite of the MAK - Austrian Museum of Applied Arts/Contemporary Art in Vienna.
