America at 250: San Diego 1776–2026
Opening June 18
The San Diego History Center invites you to explore America at 250: San Diego 1776–2026, a new exhibition opening June 18 at our museum in the heart of Balboa Park. Created as part of the nationwide commemoration of America’s 250th anniversary, the exhibition tells San Diego’s story through 100 objects drawn from the History Center’s collections and exclusive private loans.
From the enduring influence of the Kumeyaay people to transportation, architecture, military history, social movements, and innovation, the exhibition traces San Diego’s evolution from a Spanish settlement and frontier town to today’s vibrant binational region. Featured artifacts include a historic Model T Ford, stagecoach, rare architectural models, artwork, clothing, photographs, and ephemera that bring local history to life.
A distinctive element of the exhibition is the contribution of UC San Diego and San Diego State University history students, who assisted in selecting many of the featured objects, researched their significance, and helped craft the stories visitors will encounter throughout the galleries.
Designed for audiences of all ages, America at 250: San Diego 1776–2026 invites visitors to reflect on our shared past, engage with the present, and imagine the future of our region together.
Please use the stripes and stars artwork from the Glass Gallery project in addition to the exhibition logo.
We’ll add photography next week – closer to the opening when everything is up and ready.
