Research

Historical Sign Project

Balboa Park’s unique history derives from its service to its community and its
country through two World Wars and two Expositions, as well as varied Park uses
in between and after these events. Hence, almost every building or site within the
Park has had multiple uses. Friends of Balboa Park researched and installed a sign at
the Lily Pond describing its fascinating, multifaceted uses since its construction in
1915. So great has been the interest and response to the sign that the Friends were
inspired to create similar signs for each historic building and site constructed for the
1915 Exposition.

This is a great opportunity for a volunteer to research the history of selected buildings and

assist with the creation of new historic signs describing the many uses of those buildings.

Tapestry of Time

A Tapestry of Time is a unique history of Balboa Park as told through people’s memories of Balboa Park from the Expositions in 1915 and 1935. The stories were collected and published by Betty and Homer Peabody in 1997. Friends of Balboa Park continue to encourage people to add new entries.

You could help to gather stories of the past and assemble them into an updated version to share with new readers.

Postcard courtesy of David Marshall - Tapestries of Time 1997

Resource Directory

Last printed in 2008, Friends would like to have a 5th edition printed with an improved park map. The Directory will have a complete listing of every institution doing business in the park today.

This is another great opportunity for a volunteer to research Balboa Park and contribute to a valuable resource.