History of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter Lecture

Once home to the notorious Stingaree district, San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter has transformed from a rowdy red-light zone into a vibrant, historic hub of culture, architecture, and commerce. Join the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation as they trace the area's evolution—from its Wild West beginnings and waterfront vice to its Victorian revival and present-day status as a National Historic District. Discover the stories behind the brick sidewalks, gas lamps, and preserved buildings that now shape one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods.

The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation (GQHF) is dedicated to preserving the architecture, culture and history of the Gaslamp Quarter, a 16 ½-block area designated as an historic district and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.

Through museum exhibits, tours, festivals and educational programs for children and adults, the GQHF opens a window to the past by depicting the historical development of downtown San Diego since 1850.

The Foundation operates from the oldest standing residence in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Davis-Horton House Museum, a repository of artifacts, photos and archives that we preserve for residents and visitors from around the world to enjoy.

Founded in 1981 as a nonprofit corporation and recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt entity, the Foundation is led by an active Board of Directors that provides vision and leadership, sets policy and oversees the organization’s financial health. A professional staff led by an Executive Director carries out board policies and manages the day-to-day operations of the Foundation and the Museum.

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