About Us
Founding of the lodi historical society
The beginnings of recognizing the importance of historical preservation in the Lodi area first began in 1954 with a few concerned citizens from Lodi forming a group that would eventually become the San Joaquin County Historical Society. However the current Society formed in response to the impending demolition of several historic buildings in the late 1980s, the pivotal structure being the old Cary Brothers Water and Light Building built in 1908. Although the building was not saved from the wrecking ball, the current Lodi Historical Society was incorporated on October 20, 1988 with the objective to “preserve, protect, and maintain the history of the City of Lodi, California.”
Since 1991 our Society staffed and maintained the Hill House Mansion on Church Street which was an old Lodi Victorian Home built for the pioneering Hill family and left with the express wish that it become a museum for Lodi history by owner Maurice Hill upon his death. Unfortunately a dispute in 2017 wrested the building from our care and we no longer have any connection to the storied Hill Mansion. It is now a sad bed and breakfast in private hands against the family’s wishes.
Undaunted, we have continued our mission to preserve, protect, and maintain local history by trying to launch a NEW museum space for the community with our Historic (2nd) City Hall & Firehouse restoration project. Our society, along with the communities help were instrumental in saving this building on Main Street many years ago when it too was threatened with demolition. We hope it will be a great space for the community upon its completion.
Since its inception our Society has provided historical recognition through our plaques placed at historic landmarks around the city, offered monthly speaking programs on local history topics at our Society meetings at Hutchins Street Square, publicized our shared story through our quarterly newsletter, and provided an outlet for local history through our many partnerships with other local clubs, groups, and communities.
For the past 37 years our Society, staffed with volunteers, has tried to fulfill our mission in the best way possible but now WE NEED YOUR HELP!
With many changes on the horizon for our city, enthusiasm for saving history is more important than ever and we need new members and those with a love of Lodi and a passion for its history to help us in our mission!
