The Encinitas Historical Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and sharing the City’s rich history through its extensive collection of photographs, videos, newspapers, magazines, books, and community-contributed artifacts. The Society’s cherished headquarters is the 1883 Schoolhouse—the oldest standing structure in Encinitas—serving as a tangible link to the past and a vibrant hub for education and public engagement.

The Society was founded in the early 1980s to save the Schoolhouse from an uncertain future. Thanks to the vision and dedication of volunteers and the community, this mission was successfully accomplished, and the Schoolhouse now stands proudly as a cherished landmark.

With the arrival of English immigrants Edward and Jane Hammond and their seven children in 1883, the town’s population surged to twenty-two. Using an approved $600 bond, Edward Hammond and his son Ted set about building a schoolhouse large enough to accommodate eight grades taught by a single teacher.

As Encinitas grew and more modern schools were established, the one-room schoolhouse fell into disuse. In 1928, it was moved to Fourth and H Streets, where it served as a private residence for over fifty years. By the 1980s, rising real estate prices threatened the crumbling building with demolition.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the newly formed Encinitas Historical Society, the Old Schoolhouse was carefully moved back to its original location. Today, restored and preserved, it stands as the oldest building in town, a lasting symbol of the city’s heritage and hope for many years to come.

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Donations

The Encinitas Historical Society relies on donations to carry out its mission.

Donate at your convenience:

a) Point your camera at the QR code to pay with credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.

b) Click this line to pay with credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc.

c) Mail a check to 1883 Schoolhouse, Re: Donation, 390 West F Street, Encinitas, CA 92024 – please provide your email address and phone number.

d) Visit the Schoolhouse to donate by cash, check, credit card, Venmo, CashApp, Apple Pay, PayPal, etc. And enjoy looking over our branded and Encinitas-themed merchandise – at family prices!

You will receive a receipt for all forms of payment. Remember donations are tax deductible so keep your receipt.