La Jolla Historical Society

Former volunteer brings excitement and expertise to the Society


(October 24, 2008) -- With an admitted high tolerance for dust and a love of discovering the bits and pieces of history, Mike Mishler is looking forward to his new position as the La Jolla Historical Society’s archivist and curator.  

“I applied for the job because the opportunity to help shape the archives at a time when the Society is growing was too good to miss,” Mishler said.  “In addition, as a history buff I think the collection deserves to be known and used.”

Mishler played a key role as a volunteer in the development of the Society’s recent and wildly successful exhibit By the Beautiful Sea before taking on the archivist and curatorial position.  Mishler noted that temporary exhibit generated a lot of interest not only by La Jollans but visitors to the area that whet his appetite to create other exhibits to showcase the Society’s extensive collection.  

A San Diego native, Mishler graduated with distinction from San Diego State University with a degree in history and is completing his graduate degree in Library and Information Sciences from San Jose State University.  Contributing time as a researcher for Ocean Champions, an environmental advocacy group along with his love of research and desire to preserve and help others discover history led him to intern at the San Diego Historical Society and volunteer at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and La Jolla Historical Society archives.

Mishler’s extensive background in facility mechanical systems led him to assist the Copley Library with its own facilities planning and will be a valuable asset as the Society develops its new archival storage spaces in the historic Carriage House.  

“The most fun is the chance to develop the collection and help convert the Carriage House into an effective archive!” Mishler said.  “It is my hope that once we have the archives in its new home we can help other La Jolla institutions such as Las Patronas, Bishop’s, La Jolla High, the Town Council and others preserve their history.”

La Jolla’s connection to its rich heritage, the La Jolla Historical Society's offices and archivesare located at 7846 Eads Avenue, La Jolla.  Open to the public Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  (858) 459-5335.  www.lajollahistory.org .

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