This is a growing list of links to a large body of web-based information on the benefits and responsibilities on historic designation, what other cities and neighborhoods are doing to preserve their character and resources, and links to local historical societies and community organizations, many of which conduct annual neighborhood historic home tours.
National Park Service – Bringing Preservation Home:
The Black Historical Society of San Diego is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. It was founded in 1992 by Karen Huff-Willis.
“Our mission is to preserve, protect and interpret African American History in San Diego County.”
“Our goal is to provide a vehicle for preserving and promoting the contributions of African Americans in San Diego County and nationally, through research, genealogy, interpretive programs, special events and cultural tourism.”
The Clermont Hotel, at 501 Seventh Ave., received an historical designation in 2001 after the society refuted a city-funded study that said the once blacks-only hotel claimed no particular place in history.
“To preserve and protect the character, charm and historic resources of Mission Hills, assuring that development projects harmonize with the established community and provide for community input into these projects.”
Mission Hills Heritage 325 West Washington Street, #221 San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: 619.497.1193 Email: info@missionhillsheritage.org
Historic Districts: The Mission Hills Historic District (75 homes along the 1800 block of Sunset Blvd, Sheridan Ave. and Lyndon Road) and the Fort Stockton Trolley Line Historic District (107 homes along parts of Fort Stockton Drive, West Lewis and Pine Street)
University Heights Historical Society
The University Heights Historical Society (UHHS) was established in 1997 to preserve the architectural, cultural, and historic resources in University Heights through research, education, and advocacy.
The spark behind the Hillcrest History Guild began in 2002. While researching the neighborhood it was difficult to find photos and stories from our rich history, and we realized that as years pass these treasures would become even more elusive. Please help the Hillcrest History Guild collect and preserve our past for future generations. The Hillcrest History Guild will provide a place of safekeeping as our neighborhood history grows.
3742 Seventh Avenue, Suite B San Diego, CA 92103-4348 (619) 260-1929
Our Mission is to preserve the charm of the unique, historic neighborhood of La Playa. La Playa, established in 1849, is the second oldest subdivision after Old Town. There is a trend throughout San Diego of subdividing established neighborhoods that have already been built-out, and increasing density. We would like the La Playa community to come together to have a say in new development projects within our established neighborhood.
371 San Fernando Street San Diego, California 92106 (619) 523-4350
The Normal Heights Cultural Council (NHCC), formed in 2001, is a group of local volunteers who seek to identify, increase awareness and enhance the cultural life of the neighborhood for the benefit of residents and visitors alike. The NHCC is creating programs that showcase the rich history, heritage and culture of the neighborhood while looking toward the future.
The primary purpose of the North Park Historical Society is to conduct research and educational outreach in order to facilitate preservation of North Park's cultural and architectural history.
The La Jolla (California) Historical Society is an active organization of more than eight hundred members. We are dedicated to the discovery, collection and preservation of La Jolla's historical artifacts, memorabilia and sites and structures. We are committed to increasing the community's awareness of its heritage by providing access to our collection and disseminating information.
The purpose of the Ocean Beach Historical Society is to research, collect, preserve, and make available to the public all information, artifacts, art and memorabilia related to the history of Ocean Beach.
Poway Historical and Memorial SocietyThe mission of the Poway Historical and Memorial Society is to bring together persons interested in collecting and preserving artifacts and information of historical value pertaining to Poway and its immediate environs. Through these endeavors, we can share with our children the heritage of our community --- from the pioneer days to the present.
Old Poway Park 14114 Midland Road
Mary Whitten
P. O. Box 19 Poway, CA 92074-0019 Telephone (858) 679-8587
Founded in 1979, the Pacific Beach Historical Society publishes a monthly newsletter and meets quarterly in the Community Room of the Earl and Birdie Taylor/Pacific Beach Library, 4275 Cass Street, San Diego, CA 92109.
We are an educational and cultural institution dedicated to preserving and sharing our growing historical collections and extensive archives with our members, visitors, and the community.
We connect the past to the future so all generations will understand and appreciate the richness of San Diego's regional history.
2476 San Diego Ave. San Diego, CA 92110 - 2838 (619) 297-9327
Legacy106
Ronald V. May, RPA • Registered Professional Archaeologist President and Principal Investigator Dale Ballou May Vice President and Principal Researcher
Writing projects include scripts for tours of historic sites and heritage tourism locations, articles for magazines and newsletters, and designation reports for older homes and businesses.
We both received a People in Preservation Award from Save Our Heritage Organisation recognizing the work for the Mission Hills Historic District. We began to prepare historic designation research reports for our friends and neighbors and have helped local residents gain historical designation to help preserve their homes. In May 2007, Allen and Janet received their second SOHO People in Preservation (PIP) award within the past two years for contributions with Mission Hills Heritage, a community nonprofit preservation organization.
We may be able to help you with your San Diego historic designation research as well. Please contact us if you would like Happy Hazard, LLC, to perform the historical research on your older home (City of San Diego only).
