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From a Meeting Room to a Museum: How the Escondido History Center Came to Life

Updated: Jun 13

You may know us today as the Escondido History Center, but our story began in 1956 with a small group of passionate locals and one big idea: to preserve the story of our hometown.

On February 3, 1956, twenty-six of those community members gathered at the Escondido Woman’s Club to form what was then called the Escondido Historical Society. The meeting was led by Mrs. George McDonald (later Bankhead), a longtime resident and chair of the California History and Landmarks Commission. On that same day, the Society elected its first officers: Judge Joe Matherly (President), Mrs. McDonald (Vice President), Mrs. J.C. Proctor (Secretary), and John P. Marken (Treasurer). Just a few months later, on June 28, the Society officially became a registered nonprofit with the State of California—and our mission to collect, preserve, and share Escondido’s stories officially began.


Humble Beginnings and a Temporary Slowdown

In those early years, the Society focused on building a collection of photographs, documents, artifacts, and memorabilia, all while raising funds for a future museum building. Thanks to support from Mayor Lloyd Turrentine, the Society secured a display case in City Hall, where our very first public exhibit opened on May 9, 1961.

But despite the promising start, momentum eventually slowed. Membership declined as original members of the Society moved away, and the organization risked fading—much like an earlier, lesser-known effort to start a historical society back in the 1930s. For a time, the Society’s only regular event was the beloved Old Timer’s Picnic, faithfully organized by Mrs. Mary McDonald Bankhead. Quietly and persistently, she kept the vision alive by continuing to collect and display artifacts at City Hall.

Thanks to the determination of then power couple Robert C. Mathes and his wife Mrs. Ruth Mathes, the Society was revitalized. He helped reinstate its corporate status and reignited community involvement, ushering in a new era of growth and activity, while she simultaneously brought something to the Society that had been sorely missing.


Finding a Home in Grape Day Park

By 1970, the Society was actively seeking a permanent home for its growing collection. That’s when Mrs. Mathes identified a special opportunity: Escondido’s original public library, built in 1894. The building was privately owned by Mrs. Margaret Stewart, whose mother had once lived there, but it was slated for demolition.

Mrs. Mathes was a driving force that brought the arts and culture into Escondido, along with her husband Mr. Mathes. The Mathes Center was constructed in their honor.
Mrs. Mathes was a driving force that brought the arts and culture into Escondido, along with her husband Mr. Mathes. The Mathes Center was constructed in their honor.

That was when Mrs. Mathes sprang into action. With the City’s support, the building was saved and moved to Grape Day Park in 1971. After several years of careful restoration, it reopened in July 1976 as the Society’s first museum—just in time to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial!


Building a Village of History

That same year, a barn and windmill—symbols of early Escondido farm life—were added to what would become Heritage Walk. Not long after, tragedy struck when a historic house moved to the site was lost to arson in 1979. But out of that loss came renewed hope. The community rallied once again, and the Society acquired the Hoffmann House, which was relocated to Grape Day Park in 1980 and fully restored by 1986.

Our most ambitious undertaking followed: saving the Santa Fe Depot, one of Escondido’s most iconic structures. The Save Our Local Depot (SOLD) Committee was formed, and renowned local artist Stanislaus Sowinski donated a limited-edition print titled Arrival in Escondido to help raise funds. In 1984, the depot was moved to Heritage Walk, and over the next decade, it was meticulously restored, with permanent exhibits completed by 1994.

To bring Escondido’s rail history to life, a Santa Fe railcar was added in 1988, complete with a recreated mailroom, passenger seating, and a scale model of the Oceanside–Escondido route.

In 1993, a replica of the Bandy Blacksmith Shop once owned by local Tom Bandy was constructed to preserve traditional trades. Thanks to blacksmith Phil Ewing, blacksmithing classes were offered and continue to this day under steady guidance and new instructors.

The History Center's First Building in on Heritage Walk
The History Center's First Building in on Heritage Walk

Education, Outreach, and Community Spirit

As our museum village expanded, so did our commitment to education and community engagement. In the 1980s, the Society launched school tours that quickly became a cherished tradition for local third-grade students. Though these programs were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were revived and expanded in 2024 under the leadership of Executive Director Cynthia Castaneda and Assistant Director Hannah Ramirez.

We’ve also contributed to the publication of seven local history books, including Escondido: A Pictorial History and Escondido Then & Now. In 1994, we brought back the city’s oldest celebration—the Grape Day Festival. After a brief COVID hiatus, the festival returned in 2022 in partnership with the Brothers of 6 Charities, with generous support from Rincon and the Office of Supervisor Jim Desmond.


From Volunteers to Visionaries—and Back Again

What began as an all-volunteer effort evolved over the years into a professionally staffed organization. Joyce Malcom served as our first volunteer museum director, and in 1982, Ann Garcia became our first paid employee. Since then, a dedicated line of leaders—including Walter Gerson, Margaret Trussell (Eller), Norm Syler, Wendy Barker, Robin Fox, and now Cynthia Castaneda—have carried the torch forward.

Yet through all the change, one thing remains constant: our volunteers.

They are the heart of the History Center—the ones who greet guests, lead tours, maintain exhibits, preserve collections, and bring Escondido’s past to life. They keep the doors open and the stories alive. Whether you’re a history buff, community-minded, or simply looking to give back, volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to share the stories of Escondido!


Today and Tomorrow

Today, the Escondido History Center manages the largest historical museum complex in North San Diego County, located in Grape Day Park and featuring five historic buildings:

  • Santa Fe Train Depot (1888)

  • Bandy Blacksmith Shop (replica, 1993)

  • Penner Barn (c. 1907)

  • Hoffmann House (1890)

  • Escondido Public Library (1894)

Our collection includes more than 7,000 photographs, thousands of documents and artifacts, and a dedicated research and preservation facility.

From a small meeting room to a thriving museum village, the journey of the Escondido History Center has been extraordinary—and it’s far from over.

To all those who’ve helped along the way: thank you. We’re proud of our past, and we’re excited for what’s next.


Escondido History Center Address:

321 N. Broadway Escondido, CA 92025

Blog post written by: Hannah Ramirez Assistant Director

Contact Hannah at hramirez@escondidohistory.org or follow the Escondido History Center on Instagram.


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