About the Society
Our Mission
It is our mission to identify, preserve and promote the historic legacy of the Temecula Valley and to educate the public about its historical significance.
President's Message
Welcome to our website. We are so glad you found us!
Temecula is an historic community set amidst the urban sprawl of Southern California and we delight in learning and preserving the stories here.
As a founding member, I returned to regular attendance several years ago and am now honored to serve as President.
We hope you find some way to connect with your local history too. There are many opportunities including attending our monthly meetings, Sunday afternoon activities at both the Little Temecula History Center and the Vail Ranch restoration properties, reading our newsletter, or taking one of our frequent tours to local historic sites.
On our website you can find a map of our Old Town walking tour to locate plaques identifying historic structures. Our facebook page will keep you up to date. In 2019, we made some history ourselves, as the Vail Ranch Restoration Association (VaRRA) completed its mission and merged with the Temecula Valley Historical Society. We also saw the passage of the Mills Act by the Temecula City Council, helping to support owners of historic properties. Whether you are new to the Temecula Valley or long time resident, just interested in a presentation or activity, or want to get more involved by volunteering for our many events and programs, we welcome you.
Shari Crall - President 2019, 2021
Board of Directors
The Temecula Valley Historical Society is governed by a Board of Directors who formulate and vote on policies. Board members serve three year terms. The Board elects from its members the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. In addition to the Board of Directors, the society is comprised of several committees all of which serve a specific purpose as determined by the Board of Directors and the membership at large. View our current and past Board of Directors, here. View our current and past Director listing, here.
Our Organization's History
The Temecula Valley Historical Society was founded in 2001.
Projects have included the placement of plaques and markers on historic buildings and sites in Old Town Temecula, the restoration of the Louis Wolf Tomb, the restoration of a stagecoach and the production of a DVD about the local history. The Society provides self guided walking tour maps of Old Town Temecula to local shopkeepers for public distribution.
Monthly meetings are held at the Little Temecula History Center which include speaker presentations on the local history of Temecula Valley. The Society also organizes local field trips as well as sending out volunteers to the community to educate children on the valley's historic legacy.
We invite you to browse around our web site. Be sure to check out the local history section and the gossip collection which contains excerpts from the Lake Elsinore Valley Press that was published from 1910 - 1926. Memberships in the Temecula Valley Historical Society are available at levels affordable to individuals and families as well as corporate sponsorship.
The Temecula Valley Historical Society is a nonprofit organization under Internal Revenue Code, Section 501(c)3.
Learn more about the former VaRRA which merged with the TVHS.