National City Historical Society

05/19/2026

https://youtu.be/YW7URMbp2wI?si=d4Rpfi30Ioro5M99

National city historical society visits the legion post 255 to help...

05/12/2026

05/10/2026

Enjoy a day at the Park today and our perfect weather

05/10/2026

We will be closed on Sunday so volunteers can be with their family's. A very happy Mothers Day to everyone from all of us

04/26/2026

Kimball Museum open this Sunday 11 to 1 pm

04/19/2026

GARDEN TRIMMED AND READY TO SHOW!
Kimball museum will be opening today Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm Pease stop by and ask Mitch any questions you have on Kimball Museum, Our efforts to SAVE GRANGER HALL and the railroad Frank Kimball loved so much!

03/29/2026

Kimball museum will be opening today Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm Pease stop by and ask Mitch any questions you have on Kimball Museum, Our efforts to SAVE GRANGER HALL and the railroad Frank Kimball loved so much!

03/27/2026

🌿 Celebrating Flora M. Kimball — educator, writer, suffragist, horticulturist, and one of the most influential women in early California and National City.

Flora Morrill Kimball, wife of National City pioneer Warren Kimball, was widely admired in her time—her obituary even declared her “the best-known woman in the state.” A lover of books and a strong believer in public access to education, she became an early supporter of the National City Public Library.

Flora named her home Olivewood, located at 24th St. and F Ave., where her passion for horticulture thrived. Her garden, famous for its “profusion of flowers” and rare exotics, became a point of pride in the community. She planted trees throughout National City—many of which remain significant landmarks today.

In 1889, Flora made history when she was elected to the National City School Board, distinguishing her as the first woman in the State of California to serve in such a capacity. She went on to serve three terms, championing educational progress including the district’s first school savings program.

A gifted writer, Flora authored several works, including her 1872 book The Fairchilds, and used her voice to advocate strongly for women’s suffrage and greater social equality. Her influential writings aligned her with major national suffrage figures—including Susan B. Anthony, who later honored her by writing her eulogy.

To honor Flora's legacy, her husband Warren built a women’s clubhouse on the Olivewood property. Originally known as the Tuesday Club, it promoted arts, crafts, civic engagement, and community improvement. The clubhouse featured an 200-seat auditorium and eventually became the Olivewood Women’s Club, an important landmark tied deeply to Flora’s influence on civic life and women’s advancement.

Flora Kimball’s leadership, creativity, literary talent, horticultural passion, and fearless advocacy for women’s rights helped shape the cultural and civic identity of early National City. More than a century later, her legacy continues to inspire—and bloom. 💐✨

*Discover National City History in the Kile Morgan Local History Room at the National City Public Library.

03/24/2026

FILIPINO WOMENS CLUB EVENT

03/24/2026

At this Ceremony on March 3rd two National City historical Society Board Members Susan delos Santos and Nancy Estolano were honored for
Women in History Month
Besides helping people thru our membership we also are female owners of the Filipino Press. And the San Diego Leather Factory on 4th and NC Blvd