We Have Moved to A New Location and Are Now Open.
Robert A. and Bessie J. Weese Oceanside History Center
The Oceanside Historical Society serves the community through our history center, website, publications and walking tours.
Most of our services, including our history center and history walks, are free.
Our mission is to gather, preserve and share the history of our beautiful City.
Originally $34.95, now $10.00 + $6.00 shipping while supplies last.
Discover Oceanside’s rich history through the lens of this fantastic book by our President, Kristi Hawthorne (published 2000)! Support the Oceanside Historical Society while taking a visual historical tour.
Honoring a beloved teacher, coach, historian, and lifelong Oceanside resident whose passion for education, community, and the ocean shaped generations of students and neighbors.
The Dennis A. Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2025 with generous contributions from his lifelong friend, Stephen Hamill, and from his children and family.
Each year, two students, one from Oceanside High School and one from El Camino High School, will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to pursue a degree in history or education.
This scholarship continues Dennis’s legacy as a teacher, mentor, and advocate for history and learning.
Your gift helps keep Dennis A. Smith’s legacy alive by supporting scholarships for Oceanside and El Camino High School students who share his love for history and education.
You may choose from preset donation amounts or enter any amount that feels right for you. Every contribution, large or small, makes an impact.
Give $50, $100, $250, $500, or more with preset options.
Honor Dennis in a way that is meaningful to you.
All donations are tax-deductible and go directly to the Oceanside Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Hours & Location
We are open at our new location at the Robert A. and Bessie J. Weese Oceanside History Center
Address:
510 Civic Center Dr., Oceanside, CA 92054
Our hours are:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 2 pm. We are closed Thursdays and Holidays.
Contact
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 125
Oceanside, CA 92049-0125
Phone: (760) 722-4786
Email: Info@OceansideHistoricalSociety.org
The Oceanside Historical Society is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the contributions of Black-owned businesses, both past and present. We are actively seeking the assistance of residents, civic leaders, churches, and organizations in identifying individuals who have owned or currently own Black-owned businesses. Our goal is to document their stories, locations, and experiences and collect photographs to preserve their legacies.
We urge you to join us in this effort to identify individuals who have played a vital role in our city’s history and to acknowledge the importance of their role as Black business owners. By participating in this project, you will help the Oceanside Historical Society celebrate and document the rich history of Black-owned businesses in our community.
We have one of the largest photo collections in San Diego County. We sell prints and digital images.
We offer two amazing books from our President, Kristi Hawthorne.
Take a visual historical tour through Oceanside via these two books, simultaneously supporting the Oceanside Historical Society.
The Oceanside Historical Society is largely supported through the generous support of our members, purchases of images, and charitable donations.
Oceanside Historical Society
We have moved to a new Location opening August 29th.
Robert A. and Bessie J. Weese Oceanside History Center
510 Civic Center Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 125
Oceanside, CA 92049-0125
Phone: (760) 722-4786
Email: Info@OceansideHistoricalSociety.org
PROUD PARTNER OF MAINSTREET OCEANSIDE
