Her Story Meets History: Women’s Museum of California to Merge With San Diego History Center

The Women’s Museum of California will merge with the San Diego History Center, museum officials announced Wednesday.

Its exhibits and information will be integrated into the history center, which was founded in 1928.

“For more than four decades, the Women’s Museum of California has showcased the influential women who have shaped the region,” said Sandra Maas, board president of the WMC.

“This partnership allows us to expand our reach and continue inspiring future generations.”

The women’s museum was established in 1983 by Mary Maschal as the Women’s History Reclamation Project.

Maschal was a second-wave feminist who devoted her life to improving the status and self-esteem of women by exposing the struggles they face and accomplishments attained despite them.

In order to do so, she collected books, historical papers, and artifacts, gave talks, lobbied politicians, applied for grants and sought donations, preserved oral histories, traveled to conferences, and persuaded other women to come volunteer with her.

“Mary envisioned a center where all women felt welcome and inspired–accessible to those who could not afford college or would never otherwise learn about women,” says Maschal’s entry in the San Diego Women’s Hall of Fame.

The governing boards of both nonprofits approved a memorandum of understanding to combine forces.

“This agreement marks an exciting chapter for both institutions,” said Robert J. Watkins, board chair of the history center. “We are delighted to have the Women’s Museum of California become a program of the History Center.

“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.”

The merger is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, with museum staff joining the History Center to align collections and exhibitions.

The San Diego History Center operates its museum and archive in Balboa Park, as well as the Junipero Serra Museum in Presidio Park.