Oceanside Historical Society opens new Weese Oceanside History Center

Calling all history buffs: The Oceanside Historical Society will open the doors of its new home, the Weese Oceanside History Center, 510 Civic Center Drive in Oceanside’s Cultural District, at 10 a.m. Friday.

A private ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Wednesday to honor benefactor Thomas Weese, who purchased the building to provide the society with a permanent location. Weese made the gift in memory of his parents, Robert A. and Bessie J. Weese.

Robert Weese began working for the Oceanside Water Department in the 1920s as a meter reader. In 1938, he was appointed water superintendent, a position he held until retiring in 1968.

Known as “Mr. Water” for his deep knowledge of the city’s water and sewer system, he wrote a detailed history of the department published in the Oceanside Blade Tribune. He also served with the San Diego County Water Authority, the State Regional Water Quality Control Board, and other water-related organizations, according to a news release.

What’s inside? The new history center offers more than 3,000 square feet of space, including a large exhibit room highlighting the community’s history from the 1880s to the 1980s. The society has been closed for the past two months while moving and preparing exhibits.

The Weese Oceanside History Center will be open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but closed Thursdays and holidays. Admission is free.

For information on donating to support the historical society, visit www.OceansideHistoricalSociety.org or contact Director Kristi Hawthorne at (760) 390-4192 or kristihawthorne@cox.net.