events

Plastic Mobility: The Challenge of Preserving Modern Materials and Assemblies

Archtoberfest is a month-long celebration of all things architecture, design, planning and sustainability in San Diego. Join us for a special lecture by noted preservation architect Milford Wayne Donaldson FAIA, who presently serves as the Chairman of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP).

The Futuro house, built in 1969 out of plastic, and once housed behind the Design Center in San Diego, reflects the optimism during the exciting era of space exploration when people believed technology could solve all problems for the human race. From Disneyland’s 1959 Monsanto House of the Future, to Japan’s 1963 Sekisui Cabin, to Matti Suuronen’s 1969 Futuro house and finally to Elbert Speidel’s modular 1972 Poly-Pods, these projects epitomize Space Age style, a period of optimistic, futuristic aesthetics when earthbound designers of plastics let their creative spirits soar into orbit – and we gladly went along for the ride.

Member Morning

Join us for an intimate introduction to the San Diego History Center including a tour of our galleries and our collections, as well as an additional discount in our museum store for the day. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a continental breakfast and meet fellow History Center members and enthusiasts.

Building to the Next Level: Forum for Local History Groups

A special morning for all area historical societies! This program will feature vital topics for developing your organization.