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History-Making Move e San Diego History Center and Women's Museum of California join forces T WO NONPROFITS DEDICATED TO preserving the history of our region for a com- bined 150 years are making "herstory" of their own. e San Diego History Center (SDHC) and the Women's Museum of California (WMC) have just announced a major alliance: the museum will merge into the History Center on El Prado in Balboa Park and become a center program highlighting women's contributions to our community. "is agreement marks an exciting chapter for both institutions," says Bob Watkins, SDHC board chair. "Together, we are not only celebrating the incredible stories of women who have shaped our region, but also strengthening our commitment to preserving the full, multi-faceted history of our vibrant community." Sandra Maas, board president of WMC, is also enthusiastic. "I am thrilled to be joining forces with the History Center, uniting San Diego's stories in such a dynamic space where every visitor can see themselves reflected in the rich history of our region," she says. "Together we will amplify women's voices like never before." WMC President Laura Mitchell says the merger means that the museum's significant collection of women's history will now have a permanent home. Founded by Mary Maschal in 1983 as the Women's History Reclamation Project, the organization originally operated out of Maschal's home in Golden Hill. e collection now includes clothing and accessories from as far back as the 19th century; documents from women who have made history, from suffragette leader Alice Park to contemporary political leaders; an extensive library; and sports memorabilia from athletes who have broken barriers in what were once male-dominated sports. e collection will become a part of SDHC's archives, staffed by an expert team and available to the public for research. "Balboa Park is one of the premier cultural destinations in the world, receiving visitors from all over the globe. e merger will make it possible to share the Women's Museum artifacts with a dramatically larger audience," says Mitchell. e merger also makes economic sense. In recent years, the Women's Museum of California has been located in the Liberty Station Arts District and the Jacobs Center at Market Creek Street. But size, cost, and accessibility were drawbacks. "e Women's Museum is a small organization and the ability to be a part of a larger organization is a tremendous benefit," notes Mitchell, who credits the SDHC board, headed by Watkins, and the WMC board, led by Maas, for their bold decisions to merge, as well as key funders, especially the Conrad Prebys Foundation, which provided a $300,000 grant late last year. e San Diego History Center, founded as the San Diego Historical Society, will mark its centennial in 2028-2029. President and CEO Bill Lawrence says its exciting future includes a "new, world-class visitor experience" that will transform the museum. "Understanding how San Diego has become the eighth-largest city in the nation, on the border with Mexico and gateway to the Pacific, is critical to the future of the region — creating a community that is healthy, vibrant, and inclusive," Lawrence adds. e center is working with Ralph Applebaum and Associates, a design firm dedicated to museum design and exhibitions, as well as Greg Muller and Tucker Sadler Architects, known for the award- winning design of e Rady Shell at Jacobs Park and other projects. e Women's Museum is already operating out of the San Diego History Center, and the merger is expected to be completed by late 2025. 619.232.6203, sandiegohistory.org Focus philanthropy BY ANDREA NAVERSEN | PHOTO BY BOB STEFANKO Women's Museum of California Board of Directors Member Laura MacKinnon Chapman, San Diego History Center Trustee Julie Cowan Novak, SDHC Board Chair Bob Watkins, WMC President Laura Mitchell, and WMC Board President Sandra Maas ranchandcoast.com 54 NOVEMBER 2024 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE