SAN DIEGO - PRESENT & PAST
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES:
Janet Wellington, an author who once lived in the San Diego area and has done a lot of research there for her historical/time travel novels, has kindly agreed to share her resource information with us:
RESEARCHING CONTEMPORARY SAN DIEGO
Read what Wikipedia has to say about San Diego -- an extremely comprehensive look at the city with helpful links embedded:
Can't wait to be in San Diego? Here's a link to a live webcam of the bay downtown. Look at the bottom of the page for "San Diego links" for tons of helpful links to more info. And you can access different webcams in the "virtual tour" -- here's one if you want to see what's happening at Ocean Beach (watch the waves and the surfer dudes!):
Wondering if the sun is shining? For the latest San Diego weather info:
Everything San Diego. This is a good link to find out about all sorts of things...like information about city beaches, for example. If you go to the site, then click on the "City Beaches" link you'll find a map and further links that will give you helpful details. Hey, maybe you want to have your characters run into each other on Blacks Beach -- where some practice nudity. Or, perhaps a character is taking a scuba lesson -- La Jolla Shores would be perfect, as many novice classes are held there.
Lots of info on the city via the online connection to San Diego Magazine. Read archived editions for a glimpse into what goes on in America's Finest City. Click "metro" and here you can access even more helpful links, including maps of the downtown area, info on beach areas, local communities, etc.
Looking for an alternative view? Go to San Diego CityBEAT -- interesting reading here...
Looking for an "after dark guide"? Go to http://www.gaslamp.org/. Since you'll be in the Gaslamp Quarter, maybe you'll want to do some hands-on research into what the nightlife is like in this lively neighborhood!
Want to get out and see the city? Get an overview of San Diego on one of many city tour venues. Check out: http://www.historictours.com/sandiego/. This link takes you to a page of tours for many San Diego attractions -- they offer discounts if you pre-order and prepay.
Sea & Land Adventure Tour: Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets, then splash into the water in your Duck for a totally different viewpoint on this unique 2-hour fully narrated sea & land adventure. Looking for a close-up view of the military presence in San Diego? This tour company also offers a unique "Salute to the Military" tour -- explore 200 years of military history. www.sealtours.com; 619-298-8687.
Harbor Tours and Dining Cruises. www.harborexcursion.com; 1-800-442-7847; 619-234-4111. A variety of tours (including whale watching) are offered if you'd like to see San Diego from the water. Also: www.hornblower.com for more harbor tours and cruises; 1-800-ON-THE-BAY; 619-725-8888
Scenic Tours of San Diego & Tijuana www.sandiegoscenictours.com; 858-273-8687.
(Note: this is by no means a comprehensive list, but it should get you started in researching America's Finest City for a potential setting for a future story, and have tons of fun yourself as you explore San Diego!)
RESEARCHING HISTORIC SAN DIEGO
This is a great link to get a glimpse into San Diego's past.
Click here for a timeline that starts at 20,000 BC and takes you to 2000. Learn about the early San Dieguito people, the first area mission, the first ship that sailed into San Diego bay, and much, much more.
If you want to search for specific historical facts, click here to access the archives for the historical society's journals.
Read about the history of the Gaslamp area (where the conference hotel is located) -- including information about the Black Historical Society of San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation, the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, the San Diego Philippine Library and Museum, the San Diego Police Museum, and more about the people, the land, and the architecture -- by clicking here. (search this site for lots of information).
Within walking distance of the conference hotel:
Gaslamp Quarter. Your hotel is located in this historic area, so it's an easy walk to the William Heath Davis Historic House Museum, 410 Island Ave. Self-Guided Museum Tours: Tuesday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 9am-3pm. The William Heath Davis Historic House Museum is the district's oldest surviving structure, a saltbox style home shipped around Cape Horn and assembled in San Diego in 1850. The museum has been home to many fascinating people, including pre-civil war soldiers, a German Spy and Alonzo Horton, founder of San Diego. Each room represents a historic period of the home and is filled with fascinating and amusing stories about the former inhabitants. $5 per person or $4 for seniors. This modest, two story yellow house in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, is the historical focal point of this downtown area. From this location, you can get information on Museum Tours, Walking Tours, self-guided maps, or even information on other museums, retail and restaurant establishments! Gaslamp Guided Walking Tour: Saturdays at 11am. In addition, the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation offers a Gaslamp Guided Walking Tour every Saturday at 11am. Led by a trained guide, the tour vividly recreates the late 1800s when the city near the waterfront fell into disrepair and the Stingaree district flourished. Learn about the marketing secrets of the naughty ladies of the Stingaree and discover the haunts of famous former resident, Wyatt Earp. The tour also highlights many of the best Victorian style commercial buildings constructed in San Diego during the years between the Civil War and World War I.$10.00 regular, $8.00 for seniors/students/military. ***Private tours for groups of 6 or more can be arranged with prior notice. Discounts for groups of 20 or more. Contact Keiliki Rodriguez, Administrative Coordinator, (619) 233-4692, Fax (619)233-4148.
Coming early or staying a few extra days?
Check out these tour possibilities as well as nearby ONSITE research locations:
http://www.historictours.com/sandiego/ This link takes you to a page of tours, many of which offer historical narration.
Old Town Trolley's "Ghosts & Gravestones" Night Tour.
www.ghostsandgravestones.com;
619-298-8687. Reservations Required. See the darker side of San Diego and hear ghost stories as you visit some of San Diego's most beautiful and historic sites. Presented in conjunction with San Diego Historical Society, Save Our Heritage Organization and the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation.
Historic Balboa Park (1649 El Prado) is located just minutes from downtown San Diego and has an informative Visitors Center, located in the heart of the Park, to help you plan your day; open 9:30am to 4:30 pm.
Within Balboa Park, if you're looking for information on San Diego history, you'll find:
San Diego Historical Society's Research Library, Casa de Balboa, lower level; 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park; (619) 232-6203 (Hours: Thurs-Sat: 10am to 4:30pm; Adults: $6, Ages 6-17: $2; Students: $2). Here you'll find more than you could ever imagine about the history of San Diego. The Research Library is home to extensive collections which document the people, places and events of San Diego's past. You'll have access to an extensive photograph department (prints of more than 2 million images documenting 125 years; available for purchase). In the library you'll have the opportunity to study books, newspapers, ephemera, original maps, manuscripts, architectural drawings, and public records. You can also read and listen to oral histories and biographical files.
The Museum of San Diego History. Casa de Balboa, 1649 El Prado, (619) 232-6203. Open every day, 10am to 5pm. Adults: $5, Students, Seniors (65+), Military, AAA: $4, Ages 6-17: $2, Ages 5 and under: free. The Museum of San Diego History presents the colorful and diverse history of the region, interpreting San Diego's growth since the 1840s. This museum offers permanent and changing exhibitions from the Society's collections as well as from national and international traveling shows. Public lectures, workshops and educational programs are presented in the museum's 100-seat Thornton Theater.
Click here to access a handy map of the park.
Click here to learn about all the museums within the park.
Two Historic Homes you can visit include: Marston House: An Arts & Crafts Mansion, Built in 1905. 3525 Seventh Ave., on the edge of Balboa Park; (619) 298-3142 or (858) 292-0455. Hours of Operation: Fri, Sat, Sun- Guided Tours Only. 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm (Closed from 12-1pm). Adults: $5, Ages 6-17: $2. Students, Seniors, Military and Group: $4. The George White and Anna Gunn Marston House is a classic 1905 Arts and Crafts period home. Designed by renowned San Diego architects William Hebbard and Irving Gill, the home sits on five acres with formal gardens on the northwest side of Balboa Park. Villa Montezuma: A Victorian Painted Lady, Built in 1887 (note: in the summer of 2006, The Villa Montezuma was temporarily closed--contact them to check current status and hours of operation). 1925 K St. (20th and K streets); (619) 239-2211. An onion dome, stained-glass windows and redwood shingles distinguish this Victorian "Palace for the Arts" built as home for Jesse Shepard, the celebrated musician, composer, author and spiritualist.
Serra Museum. Plymouth Rock of the West. 2727 Presidio Drive, Presidio Park; (619) 297-3258. Open every day, 10 am - 4:30 pm. Adults: $5, Ages 6-17: $2. Students, Seniors, Military and Group: $4 Located in Presidio Park above Old Town State Historic Park, the Junipero Serra Museum showcases artifacts from the Kumeyaay Native American, Spanish and Mexican periods through 1848, including housewares, period clothing, furniture, tools, a cannon and cannonballs.
San Diego Maritime Museum. 1306 North Harbor Drive; Open daily 9 am to 8 pm; 619-234-9153; www.sdmaritime.com. Located on San Diego's colorful and historic Embarcadero, the most spectacular promenade to be found anywhere in the city. Visit the museum's historic ships for a glimpse into history, with exhibits, demonstrations of nautical skills, maritime art, docent-led tours and interpretations, all against the backdrop of warships, merchantmen, yachts, and fishing boats.
(Note: this is by no means a comprehensive list on getting to know San Diego's history, and the writer focused on sites nearest to the conference location, assuming time might be an issue for onsite research on settings for a future historical story!)
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ADDITIONAL RESEARCH POSSIBILITIES:
The Trip Advisor also includes as points of interest:
- The Firehouse Museum
- Heritage Park Victorian Village - home to 7 restored Victorian homes
- Old Point Loma Lighthouse
- Casa de Estudillo - historic home, Old Town
- House of Ukraine International Cottages of the Houses of Pacific Relations
- Star of India sailing ship and Museum
- Alcazar Garden - formal garden patterned after the gardens of Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain, with ornate fountains and Moorish tiles
- Steeley Stables - a museum that consists of reconstructed stable and barns that house a collection of horse-drawn buggies, wagons, carriages and other Western memorabilia
- Wells Fargo Museum
- Marine Corps Command Museum
- Casa del Rey Moro African Museum
- Whaley House Museum - (officially haunted), Old Town
- Junipero Serra Museum - history of missions in California with Spanish furniture dating back to the Renaissance
- USS Midway - experience a hands-on feel of being on an actual Navy Aircraft Carrier
- San Diego Automotive Museum - Balboa Park
- Casa de Machado y Stewart - what life was like in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 - 1872, Old Town
*With thanks to Janet Wellington (www.janetwellington.com) and The Trip Advisor
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