Lodi History.Org

Welcome to Lodi! 

Welcome to official website of the Lodi Historical Society!  Lodi is a wonderful City of around 60,000 people located at the northern end of the vast San Joaquin Valley.  Known primarily for our agriculture, and especially our wine grapes, we were founded as a shipping center by the railroad in 1869 and historically considered the “Queen City” of San Joaquin County, one of California’s original 27 counties formed at statehood in 1850. Our organization was established in 1988 by a group of citizens concerned with the loss and demolition of several original and unique buildings within our City.  We are staffed completely by volunteers and currently operate as a 509(a)(2) public charity and are actively working towards our mission “to promote an interest in and encourage the preservation of historical knowledge, historical sites, and landmarks within the City.” 

Another of our mission goals is to establish what would be Lodi’s only museum with our current and ongoing restoration of the historic building at 114 N. Main St.  We hope this will serve as our Historical Society headquarters and be a magnet for redevelopment of our historic downtown.  We have published many items featuring the rich history of our beloved city and we currently feature a monthly newsletter you can receive as a member (or as a guest by email).  We offer monthly speaking engagements by local historians and experts on various topic of historical interest.  All are welcome!

So whether you are a 4th generation local grape grower, a long-time resident, have just moved here, or are only visiting, we hope to provide you with a unique historical perspective on our bustling little city and we hope you will help us continue our mission by JOINING US , DONATING for our mission or museum, or keeping in touch by signing up for our NEWSLETTER and following our SOCIAL MEDIA. 

Please enjoy our website and what we have to offer and please seriously consider joining our group.  We always need more volunteers dedicated to sharing and protecting our local story and heritage! 

 All Memberships/Donations/Gifts made to the Lodi Historical Society are Tax-Deductible as allowed by law! 

“The disadvantage of men not knowing the past is that they do not know the present.  History is a hill or high point of vantage, from which alone men see the town in which they live or the age in which they are living.”
– G.K. Chesterton