* Read about our exciting ongoing research offerings upgrade below.

Passionate about City of Encinitas or San Diego County history? Working on a school project? Interested in discovering your local family story? You are our research raison d’être!

Access our large, curated collection of photographs, documents, books, magazines, newspapers, contributed artifacts, and more. Read and listen to recorded oral histories, including stories handed down by past residents and more recent contributions by descendants of notable names back to the City’s original settlers.

Our collection includes articles, photographs, and research papers bequeathed by Ida Lou Coley, among Encinitas’ most prolific and regarded writers.

Materials are available in hard copy, digital, or both. Photocopies are available at 15¢ per copy.

Photographs are available in varying sizes at corresponding prices.

We provide research assistance during regular hours, 10:00am – 3:00pm Saturdays, or schedule at info@encinitashistoricalsociety.org or (760) 942-9066.

Members receive a discount on all services including research materials.

The Encinitas Historical Society retains copyrights on research materials.

* In 2025, the Encinitas Historical Society is in the intense phase of a multiyear archiving upgrade. We are professionally curating our entire collection—physically and digitally—to offer a next-level research experience. Contact us if you are interested in volunteering or for more information.

A History of Olivenhein Audio Interviews:

Art Cole Part 1:

Art Cole Part 2: 

Researching the History of a House

Click here to visit A Guide to Researching the History of a House by Home Advisor

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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, 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.