This museum is on the Cuyamaca College campus and rivals larger natural history museums in San Diego County. Each…More room is filled with artifacts and educational information on the natural history, archaeology, anthropology and art of North, Central and South America. The museum depicts the history and way of life of the San Diego Kumeyaay Indians and displays metates, ollas, pots and bowls found in the region. There is a gift shop featuring  jewelry, books, arts and crafts from around the world at reasonable prices.</p> <p>The museum hosts school field trips weekly and volunteer docents go out to the schools to provide educational programs.</p>

Built in 1863, the old adobe Bancroft Ranch House stands as a one of only two local sites that has both National and…More State historical landmark status. The house was built by Judge Augustus S. Ensworth, who served as Justice of the Peace in San Diego in 1856. In 1865, he sold the house and the property to Rufus King Porter for $400. In 1885, Porter sold the property to Hubert H. Bancroft for $8,000. Bancroft was a famous writer and publisher of historical books, writing a total of 39 volumes about western North America. He lived at the ranch house, which bears his name, from 1885 until his death in 1918.</p> <p>In March of 1963, the house became a museum and continues to be filled with artifacts, historical documents and photographs. The museum serves as the home for the Spring Valley Historical Society. Those interested in becoming members may contact Carol Serr at 619-469-1480. Membership levels include individual, family, corporate, student, and lifetime.</p> <p>The caretaker of the museum is Jim Van Meter.</p>

Tucked behind the historic Reverend Henry A. McKinney House on University Avenue before it becomes La Mesa Boulevard…More are the museum and archives of the La Mesa Historical Society. The Palermo Building houses this material. </p> <p>The society is a nonprofit, volunteer-backed organization that uses no state or city funds. Its board of directors meets monthly, with a general membership meeting quarterly. The society hosts special events three or four times a year, including  a Historic Homes Tour.</p> <p>Officers also can be reached at P.O. Box 882, La Mesa CA 91944.</p>