The San Diego Natural History Museum (Trip Advisor)
Art | Balboa Park
It’s 1956 Again at The Natural History Museum
By Frank Sabatini Jr.
After sitting in the archives of CBS 8 Throwback Project for 65 years, footage of the San Diego Natural History Museum from 1956 was recently resurrected. The short black-and-white film takes us through the halls and offices of the Balboa Park museum in a span of one and a half minutes. It captures the wonderment of visitors and the diligence of curators in their day. Step back in time by clicking here.
In addition, we unearthed some facts about the museum from then and now that are not shown in the video:
- Founded in 1874, the San Diego Society of Natural History purchased the building in 1917 after it was left vacant from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
- In 1943, the U.S. Navy temporarily took over the museum to use as an infectious disease hospital. Exhibits and library items were dispersed to 32 different locations around the city. During that period, an elevator designed to handle hospital gurneys was installed, as well as a nurses’ station between floors. They both remain in place today.
- Despite experiencing financial hardships in post-war years, the museum enjoyed steady growth with its collections, and was accredited in 1974 by the American Association of Museums.
In 2024, the Museum will celebrate its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years of contributions to science and the San Diego community.
