Dec 17 10
Old Town museums
While almost every Old Town location is wrapped in history, there are a few popular museums in the area where you can get an even closer look at the city’s past. Since we assume you’re going to be in Old Town for at least a few days, block out some time to explore these unique locations. This list does not include every historic site in Old Townjust a few that are well known for their variety of exhibits.
- The Junipero Serra Museum in Presidio Park: Junipero Serra was a friar in the Majorcan Franciscan order who founded the chain of missions in Old Town. The museum is located near the site of the first of those missions. Built between 1928-1929, the Serra museum was designed in a Spanish Revival style to house the San Diego History Center’s collection. Exhibits range from the early Kumeyaay inhabitants up to the 21st century. The museum can also be rented out for special events, such as weddings.
- Seeley Stable Museum: Albert Seeley was the head of the San Diego-Los Angeles Stage Line, and Seeley Stables was a major stop for carriages passing through Yuma/San Diego in the 1850s. The 1887 construction of the railroad put the stop out of business, but the stables were later reconstructed. Exhibits at the site include authentic carriages and other transportation artifacts. You’ll also learn about the different routes the carriages followed and the importance of the cattle industry in creating these trade routes. There’s also an impressive collection of Native American crafts.
- William B. Kolender Sheriff’s Museum and Educational Center: True to its name, this museum illustrates the evolving role of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department in the state’s history. The “educational center” part of the name refers to its impact on the school-age children visiting the museum. In addition to seeing law enforcement artifacts like guns and uniforms, these children are shown how law enforcement helps to keep them safe and learn to be cautious and aware of possible dangers around them.
- Colorado House: During the days when Old Town was new, the Colorado house was a hotel. Today, it’s the home of the Wells Fargo Museum. Reconstructed as it originally appeared in 1860, the museum showcases a historical Wells Fargo agent’s office along with treasures like an 1867 coach and a gold watch given in exchange for protecting San Diego’s treasure during a stagecoach delivery.