Bringing History Alive - RSF Historical Society Celebrates 20 years!
1984 - 2004
A True Milestone

The Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society is celebrating 20 years of service to our community.  We honor and salute the founding members who had the vision and foresight to start this important organization.  The five original founders were Pat Cologne, Eleanor Shefte, Sandy Somerville, Marcia Van Liew and Gwen Whitehead who also served as the first President. The idea of the need for Rancho Santa Fe to have a historical Society came to me sometime in the early 1980's.  At various times I would ask some of my friends who were longtime residents if they had any interest in founding such a group.  On October 30, 1984 the articles of incorporation were signed and that was the beginning of a great adventure!" said Whitehead.

Our 20th year is being commemorated with plaques and proclamations from Supervisor Bill Horn, Congressman Randy Duke Cunningham, Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.  We still hope to hear from the White House!

The Rancho Santa Fe Historical Society is known for its dedication to preserving, documenting, and educating members of the local community, the many visitors to the area, has even gained nationwide attention for its' World War II Veterans Oral History Project.  The Society has published a book, Rancho Santa Fe: a California Village which was just printed in its' fifth edition.  Through early and present day photographs the book captures the unique beauty and architectural qualities of one of California's first planned communities.  It goes on to describe Rancho San Dieguito, the original granted to Juan Osuna in 1833.  The Santa Fe Land Improvement Company developed the original village, renamed Rancho Santa Fe, creating a protective covenant in 1928, which continues to function with broad reaching powers and authority. 

The RSF Historical Society is housed in La Flecha house, one of famed architect Lillian Rice's designs. La Flecha House was named Landmark #1 and a plaque was unveiled celebrating the designation On July 4, 1989.  Sandy Somerville was quoted as saying, We're very happy to have Rancho Santa Fe Historical site number one.   The house was built in the 1930s and now houses artifacts, documents, photographs, and furniture all donated to the Society.  We provide educational tours and lectures to students of all ages, offer our archives to researchers, and provide expertise and advice on the preservation of historic homes via our Architectural Review Committee.  The house was generously donated by E.L. Bus Reitz and Margarita Reitz. 

Current Board members include Gordon Bartow, President, Richard Scuba, Vice-President, Dale Nelson, Treasurer.  Other Board members are, Ann McGregor, Fernanda Sammis and Gary Young.