Decorative Arts o Costumes o Toys o Fine Arts o Tools o Music o Transportation

Children's Clothing and Toys   "Oh to be a child again," the adult sighs. Liberated from cares and allowed to play, the freedom and wonder of childhood is an appealing daydream for weary adults. But what was it really like to be a child 100 years ago?

American Decorative Arts   This American cut crystal vase is representative of objects found in the American home from about 1850 to 1930. Glass, ceramics, metalwork, furniture and lighting devices were once owned by prominent local families, such as the bedroom furnishings of Alonzo Horton, founder of modern San Diego. (approx 2500 pieces)

Costumes and Textiles   Pair of woman's silk shoes of pink and gold silk damask with ivory leather. This collection includes clothing, jewelry, accessories and flat textiles such as quilts, coverlets and rugs. (approx 4000 pieces)

Spanish and Spanish-Colonial Artifacts This collection includes a noteworthy collection of Spanish Renaissance furniture and decorative arts, costumes and textiles, tools and equipment, and pieces from Spain's colonies in the New World such as military items, coins and silver objects. (approx 100 pieces)

Fine Arts Collection   This sculpture from Mexican rosewood by local artist Donal Hord is representative of works by over 60 notable local artists. Includes oil paintings, watercolors, prints, drawings and sculpture, as well as local artists' tools and equipment. (approx 700 pieces)

Medical & Dental Collections   comprise furniture, instruments and equipment used by the medical and dental professions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including a complete set of dental office equipment ca. 1905 and a doctor's examining room from about 1915 as well as less sophisticated "country doctor" equipment. (approx 350 pieces)

Transportation Collection   Our 1866 Concord stagecoach has been carefully restored. Collection also contains Model-T Ford, streetcar, buggies, high-wheel bicycle and rollerskates. (approx 100 pieces)

Tools and Equipment includes specialty tools for such professions as carpentry, Harnessmaker, blacksmith, cement layer, textileworker, surveyor, farmer, housekeeper, and miner as well as weapons, objects for food processing and agricultural implements. (approx 700 pieces)

Native American Collection   Olla (clay water jar) made by local Kumeyaay Indians from Cuyamaca area. Collection contains a broad cross-section of local Indian artifacts including articles of clothing and adornment, tools and equipment, and a few ceremonial objects as well as a large collection of pottery and a particularly outstanding collection of baskets. (approx 200 pieces)

Music Player Collection   This Victrola cabinet floor model phonograph, circa 1906, is one of the music playing machines in our collection. Hear some original music played on our Regina Music Machine and early Victrola and Edison phonographs.