San Diego History Center programs for Girl Scouts

At the San Diego History Center, Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to dive into the remarkable stories of our region—past, present, and future. Through engaging workshops and interactive experiences, girls will meet inspiring individuals from diverse backgrounds who shaped the history of San Diego and beyond.

From trailblazing inventors and courageous changemakers to groundbreaking artists and community leaders, our programs highlight the powerful contributions of women throughout history. Along the way, girls will gain a deeper understanding of their own potential to make a positive difference in their communities.

Let us bring the past to life in ways that inspire the leaders of tomorrow. Our flexible, on-demand scheduling makes it easy to plan a visit that fits your troop’s needs.

Playing the Past: Historical Fashion Show

For Juniors | Earn the Playing the Past Badge
Step into history through fashion! This 60-minute workshop invites girls to explore how we learn about the past through artifacts, photos, and documents. Scouts will dress in period costumes and participate in a historical fashion show, bringing to life the stories of influential women and how clothing reflected their roles in society. Girls will also explore the exhibit Marston’s History Emporium, where hands-on interaction with historical items reveals what everyday life was like for women in San Diego’s past.

Suffrage and Voting Rights Workshops

For All Levels | Activities for girls earning their Democracy or
Citizen badges

These age-appropriate workshops empower girls to understand their role in our democracy, no matter their age.

• Younger Girls: Recreate a historic suffrage parade, make “Votes for Women” buttons, and learn inspirational songs from the suffrage movement.
• Older Girls: Dive deeper into the stories of suffragists and civil rights activists, and create a toolkit for advocating for positive change in your community.

Girls will discover that even without voting until age 18, they still have a voice—and it matters.

Women of Balboa Park: Walking Tour

For Juniors – Ambassadors | Earn the “Journey Through the
Past” Patch

Take a walk through history! This 60-minute guided tour of Balboa Park focuses on the often-overlooked women who helped build, preserve, and shape San Diego’s most iconic public space. Along the way, girls will reflect on how public spaces influence our lives and how we can work to make them inclusive and welcoming for all.

Behind the Scenes Museum Tour

For Seniors – Ambassadors

Museums are more than just exhibits—they are hubs of preservation, research, and education. This exclusive tour invites high school girls to go beyond the public galleries and explore what truly keeps a museum running. Discover the fascinating world behind the scenes, including collections care, archival work, and exhibit planning.Participants will meet professionals from a wide range of museum careers—curators, educators, archivists, grant writers, accountants, and more—to gain insight into the many roles that contribute to preserving history for future generations.