The iconic Junipero Serra Museum sits on Kumeyaay territory in Presidio Park. The historical site was the first permanent European settlement in 1769 in what is today the state of California.
And the 93-year-old museum on the site is in need of restoration.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria says the museum is vital in keeping the city’s heritage alive.
“This restoration will help further that. It will attract more people to come to this site and understand the history from the original San Diegans to the present day and to the many people in between,” Gloria said.
The Conrad Prebys Foundation is making sure that happens. They’re giving the San Diego History Center $330,000 to restore the north tower and east facade of the museum.
Prebys Foundation Chair Tony Cortes says the foundation was pleased to be able to grant the award as the site is a sacred place for many.
“I’ve got a bit of a soft spot in my heart for this location. My wife, Sara, and I were married on the hillside. There's a little concrete footbridge,” he said.
The restoration work is expected to be completed by mid-February. Work crews are already on site and working on North Tower.
While the museum's namesake, priest and missionary Junipero Serra, has become a controversial figure of late, officials did not want to discuss the issue during Wednesday’s ceremony.
