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Continue Exploring San Diego’s Historic Landscapes and Architecture
with Penning the Past
May/June 2026
SOHO is excited to invite you to two new Penning the Past talks that explore very different, but equally compelling, chapters of San Diego’s story. As it happens, both eloquent speakers won SOHO’s People In Preservation Awards in 2025.
Now in its third year, this Zoom lecture series continues to connect the dots between our city’s architecture and the people, ideas, and environments that shaped it. Lectures take place on the second Saturday of the month, running through November, from 11am to noon on Zoom. The series is free for SOHO members; non-members may attend for $10 per lecture.
Whether you’re drawn to innovative design or the iconic spaces and places that define our civic identity, our May and June 2026 programs offer a thoughtful pairing.
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We begin on May 9 with The Distinct Modernism of San Diego presented by Rev. Dr. Mark Hargreaves. While California Modernism is often associated with Los Angeles and San Francisco, Hargreaves makes the case for a San Diego-based movement distinctly rooted in the innovative work of architect Irving J. Gill. Through this lens, you’ll discover a tradition of design grounded in simplicity, collaboration, and a deep sensitivity to place. Timed perfectly for National Preservation Month, this program offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on San Diego’s influential architectural legacy.
If you're looking for a full day of preservation conversations also on May 9, don't miss our second SOHO lecture at 1pm for a special presentation by Donovan Rypkema of PlaceEconomics, who will present SOHO’s newly released economic impact report and host a live Q&A. Together, the two programs offer a fascinating look at both the architectural legacy and the economic value of preservation. You can find more details here.
Then on June 13, Penning the Past will visit (via Zoom) one of Balboa Park’s most cherished landmarks: "Balboa Park’s Botanical Building," presented by Nancy Carol Carter. Few structures in San Diego are as beloved or as emblematic as the Botanical Building. Opened for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition and recently restored to its historic grandeur, this iconic structure reflects the city’s deep horticultural and architectural legacy. Carter traces the building’s design, purpose, and evolution, placing it within the park’s broader landscape history. She’ll also offer insights into the philosophy and challenges behind its careful, award-winning restoration.
What makes this pairing especially engaging is the contrast: One lecture explores a forward-thinking architectural movement that redefined modern living, while the other reflects on a historic landmark rooted in San Diego’s cultural and botanical identity. Together, they highlight the richness and diversity of our region’s built environment.
SOHO members attend free, and nonmembers are welcome for $10 per lecture. Advance registration is required. Register and learn more.
And thank you! Your participation directly supports SOHO’s mission to preserve the historic places and stories that make San Diego so charismatic and special to residents and visitors alike.
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