Coronado Historical Association Museum of History and Art
Explore the rich history of Coronado beginning in the early seventeenth century when the Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcaino caught sight of a group of islands seventeen miles off the coast of southern California and named them Las Yslas Coronadas.
The Coronado Historical Association Museum of History and Art contains three galleries that each focus on a particular aspect of Coronado's past. Beginning with the early beginning as a home to the La Jollan and Dieguito Native Americans and continuing through the years to the luxury resort of today. These exhibits capture the rich history of Coronado with a fantastic collection of art, architectural elements, textiles, ephemera, and other memorabilia dating from before the turn-of-the-century.
The first gallery is called The "Enchanted Island": explore Coronado's early days and the US Naval Air Station’s presence on the North Island. In 1893, the United States government gained control of North Island. The Museum's Naval collection contains programs, correspondence, brochures, newsletters, USO records from the 1940s, uniforms, ephemera, and photographs. One of the earliest uses of North Island was for aviation experiments. The gallery provides a glimpse at the colorful history of the United States Navy and its role in the development of Coronado
The second gallery features a changing exhibit. Currently on display is an exploration through the works of Frank Baum. Visitors can follow the yellow brick road to learn about the life of L. Frank Baum when he lived in Coronado and his writings. Through a temporary exhibit, "Ozily Yours: L. Frank Baum in Coronado," visitors will learn about this renaissance gentleman, his creativity and his generosity.
The third gallery features the history of The Hotel del Coronado. The hotel is the most recognizable structure in Coronado and the peninsula's history is closely intertwined with this national landmark. Also featured in this gallery is Tent City, which operated from 1900 to 1939 at the foot of the Hotel del Coronado. It was a popular summer vacation resort for families from around the nation. The original objects used at the Hotel del Coronado, as well as dozens of photographs, are all part of the collection on view. Tent City documents include correspondence, "Tent City News," photographs, programs, brochures, and postcards, all of which give the visitor a glimpse into Coronado's charming and enchanting past.
Posted by Jennifer Pruett
