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Celebrate National Preservation Month with SOHO and The Big Exchange!
May/June 2025
From May 1-18, 2025, SOHO members can enjoy free admission to more than 60 museums, historic sites, gardens, and cultural attractions across San Diego County through the San Diego Museum Council’s Big Exchange program!
Simply present your SOHO membership card and mention The Big Exchange at any participating location to receive free entry for up to four people per membership. It’s that easy!
SOHO’s Marston House Museum & Gardens and Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Museum are proudly participating, alongside incredible sites like the Barona Cultural Center & Museum, Coronado Historical Association, Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, and San Diego Chinese Historical Museum. With dozens of destinations to explore, there's definitely something for everyone. Discover new favorites or revisit beloved spots—all for free!
See the list of all the participating museums and sites.
Be sure to check out exciting reinterpretive work at the Marston House and Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Museums. The Marston House Museum, 3525 Seventh Avenue, San Diego, 92013, is open Friday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. Visit the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Museum, 29181 San Felipe Road, Warner Springs, 92096, Saturday and Sunday, noon-4pm.
Marston House Museum: A Fresh Perspective
Now even more aligned with its rich family history, the 1905 home features enhancements that refer back to the Marstons’ own updates, including a mid-to-late 1930s kitchen upgrade. A newly acquired Wedgewood stove is nearly identical to their original.
Upstairs, the main bedroom now reflects a classic Arts and Crafts ethos with twin Stickley beds that were purchased long ago from the Marston Store. Meanwhile, the sitting room has been restored to its early to mid-20th-century character including two original Marston family chairs. These additions offer a deeper glimpse into how the Marstons lived and kept up their home for over 80 years.
Frontier History at Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Museum
Learn about California’s fascinating frontier past at this National Historic Landmark and former Butterfield Stage Stop. This 1857 adobe in Warner Springs tells the story of westward migration, overland mail routes, and early ranching life supervised by Vicenta Carrillo, a remarkable matriarch and successful leader.
Come meet Kathryn Fletcher, the museum's dedicated manager and docent. With 30-plus years of preservation experience, her expert storytelling brings history to life. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip to this backcountry treasure, enjoy the rare window it offers into San Diego’s frontier past.
How to Participate in The Big Exchange
Give the Gift of History and Culture
Now is the perfect time to join SOHO, renew your membership, or gift a membership to the history and San Diego County lovers in your life. Your support helps preserve our region's architectural gems, historic landscapes, and diverse social heritage while unlocking unforgettable cultural experiences.
Not a SOHO Member Yet? Now’s the Perfect Time to Join!
Join SOHO online now. Memberships start at just $25.
A SOHO membership supports historic preservation and education while granting you exclusive benefits—including complimentary admission during The Big Exchange. Plus, members receive year-round free entry to the Marston House Museum and the Warner-Carrillo Ranch House Museum!
Special bonus! New members who join SOHO during The Big Exchange receive a FREE Third Sunday Walking Tour (a $20 value)—a perfect introduction to San Diego’s rich history.
Experience San Diego’s Museums for Free!
The Big Exchange is a reciprocal admission program organized by the San Diego Museum Council, of which SOHO is an enthusiastic member. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore San Diego’s history, art, and culture—on us!
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