Olaf Wieghorst Museum

Building Old Highway 80
2023-11-03 08:00 - 13:00 UTC | Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon, 141 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020
Building Old Highway 80 is the 100 year old story of Col. Ed Fletcher and the people who brought a transcontinental highway to San Diego.
Join us for a morning presentation by an outstanding lineup of historians and writers.
The Speakers

Bonnie Fletcher, San Diego native, descendant of Col. Ed Fletcher, Trustee of the San Diego History Center and Co-chair of the Ed & Mary Fletcher Foundation,
Robert M. Harding, Jr, writer, lecturer and VP of the Lakeside Historical Society,
John W. Murphey, architectural historian and research consultant now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico,
Connie Sue Low, Travel and Texas history writer, and
Charlotte Kahl, President of the Old Spanish Trail Centennial Association.

The Topics

Building Old Highway 80,
Ed Fletcher: Bringing Highways to San Diego,
Remembering Harry Locke – Prolific US Early Highway Designer,
and more….

Before Interstate 8 there was US Highway 80. Before US Highway 80 there was an auto trail that stretched from San Diego to Florida.
Telling the story is the theme of the morning session of the Old Spanish Trail Centennial Conference and Celebration scheduled for November 3rd, 2023 at the Marriott Hotel in El Cajon. After the morning session you are invited to browse the exhibits in the adjacent exhibit hall. Meet the speakers and relive this exciting period in San Diego history when the automobile was young.
Attending the Event
Attending the event is free, however, registration is required to attend the complimentary lunch on Friday, November 3rd. For information, please see the Information and Registration Packet or contact the Centennial Association at: OST100Kahl@aol.com
About Us
The Old Spanish Trail Centennial Celebration Association (OST100) was organized to locate, revitalize and preserve the roadway, businesses and historic sites of the original 1920s OLD SPANISH TRAIL (OST) auto highway and to create a decade long Centennial Celebration reenacting annual conferences held by the original Old Spanish Trail Association of the early 1900s.
Plans began in 2002 for a decade-long OST Centennial Celebration with the first reenactment set for 2015 in Mobile, Alabama. Annual conference reenactments have been held in various cities and will culminate in a grand historic transcontinental motorcade in 2029.
About the History
The first San Diego OST conference was held in 1923 hosted by Col. Ed Fletcher, then vice president of the Old Spanish Trail Association.
The San Antonio, Texas OST Headquarters Executive Director brought together California highway engineers and commissioners, chambers of commerce and Good Roads Club members. They discussed how best to pave the OST into and across southern California. El Cajon Boulevard and the El Cajon to Alpine, Pine Valley and Boulevard corridors were chosen as the OST route.

It is a Back Country Drive on Olde Highway 80
2023-11-04 09:00 - 15:00 | Courtyard by Marriott San Diego El Cajon, 141 N Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020
Please Join Us for a Back Country Drive on Olde Highway 80

This event is part of the Old Spanish Trail Centennial Conference and Celebration to be held at the Marriott Hotel in El Cajon, California on November 2-5, 2023.

Before Interstate 8 there was US Highway 80. Before US Highway 80 there was an auto trail that stretched from San Diego to Florida. It was called the Old Spanish Trail Auto Highway and it is 100 years old!

Download the information and registration packet
Other conference events include the seminar speakers on Friday morning:

Bonnie Fletcher, San Diego native, descendant of Col. Ed Fletcher, Trustee of the San Diego History Center and Co-chair of the Ed & Mary Fletcher Foundation,
Robert M. Harding, Jr, writer, lecturer and VP of the Lakeside Historical Society,
John W. Murphey, architectural historian and research consultant now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico,
Connie Sue Low, Travel and Texas history writer, and
Charlotte Kahl, President of the Old Spanish Trail Centennial Association.

Topics include:

Building Olde US 80,
Ed Fletcher: Bringing Highways to San Diego,
Remembering Harry Locke – Prolific US Early Highway Designer,
and more….

About Us
The Old Spanish Trail Centennial Celebration Association (OST100) was organized to locate, revitalize and preserve the roadway, businesses and historic sites of the original 1920s OLD SPANISH TRAIL (OST) auto highway and to create a decade long Centennial Celebration reenacting annual conferences held by the original Old Spanish Trail Association of the early 1900s.
Plans began in 2002 for a decade-long OST Centennial Celebration with the first reenactment set for 2015 in Mobile, Alabama. Annual conference reenactments have been held in various cities and will culminate in a grand historic transcontinental motorcade in 2029.
About the History
Col. Ed Fletcher, then vice president of the Old Spanish Trail Association, hosted the first San Diego OST conference in 1923.
The San Antonio, Texas OST Headquarters Executive Director brought together California highway engineers and commissioners, chambers of commerce and Good Roads Club members. They discussed how best to pave the OST into and across southern California. El Cajon Boulevard and the El Cajon to Alpine, Pine Valley and Boulevard corridors were chosen as the OST route.

Veterans Day
2023-11-11 12:00 - 14:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
The Olaf Wieghorst Museum proudly invites American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Elks (BPOE) and Veterans East County Alliance (VECA) members and their families to honor and celebrate our Veterans on Veterans Day.

High School Art Workshop
2024-03-09 - 2024-03-10 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
The Museum will be holding a High School Art Workshop on an invitation basis. Contact the museum for office for information.

Moodscapes of America and Vivid Art by Gail
2024-05-04 12:00 - 2024-06-15 16:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
Held over by popular demand!
The exhibition of art by local artists AJ Bartelle and Gail Nellans will be open through June 15, 2024 at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum.
We have combined two shows into one: “Moodscapes of America” and “Vivid Art by Gail.”
Show hours are Fridays from 11 am to 3 pm and Saturdays from noon to 4 pm.

Meet the Artist: Andrea Rushing
2024-09-13 17:00 - 20:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
Meet the Artist: Andrea Rushing
The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in El Cajon will hold a reception for Andrea Rushing on Friday, September 13, 2024.
The reception marks the opening of the exhibition titled:
Andrea Rushing – Scenes and People of the Frontier American West
The public is invited to meet Mr. Rushing and enjoy a representative display of his art.

The reception begins at 5:00 pm and will conclude at 8 pm. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served.
Meet the Artist: Andrea Rushing is part of the 13th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk. All art galleries and restaurants in downtown El Cajon will be open with live entertainment on Prescott Promenade.

Scenes and People of the Frontier American West
2024-09-13 17:00 - 2024-11-03 16:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
Currently showing at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum is an exhibition of the art of Andrea Rushing and his Scenes and People of the Frontier American West.
You can visit the Museum on Fridays between 11 am and 3 pm or
Saturdays between noon and 2 pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see the work of this amazing local artist.

Meet Jim Daniels
2024-10-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Santee City Hall, 10601 Magnolia Ave, Santee, California, United States
Meet Jim Daniels!
Olaf Wieghorst Museum Foundation President Jim Daniels will be speaking to the Friends of the Santee Library.
Jim provides an engaging look at the life Olaf Wieghorst and the museum that bears the Wieghorst name. Learn what the museum is up to and the exciting plans for the museum’s future.
The event is free and open to the public. There is ample on-site free parking.

Moments Come and Gone
2024-11-15 08:00 - 2025-01-05 08:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
Capture the Moments at our holiday art show.
The Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in El Cajon proudly presents talented young artists:
Lydia Jenson ⦁ Noah Sandberg ⦁ Courtney West

America on Main Street - El Cajon 2025
2025-05-17 | Downtown El Cajon, El Cajon, California, 92020
America on Main Street is in Downtown El Cajon on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Admission and most activities are free of charge.
America on Main Street is a celebration of the American spirit through appreciation and respect of the many diverse ethnic and historical groups in the community. This entertaining and exciting event is held every year in Downtown El Cajon on East Main Street and Rea Avenue, between Magnolia and Claydelle Avenues.
Highlights include multiple stages of live entertainment, American and ethnic food booths, rides, arts, crafts and display booths, a petting zoo, bounce houses and more!
Look for events on the Centennial Plaza Stage, the Prescott Promenade Stage and the Main Street Stage along with street performances.

There will be interactive FREE experiences for everyone to enjoy including Arts & Crafts and Games and Thrilling FREE rides!

ARTIVÁL San Diego
2025-06-07 10:00 - 18:00 | CA
ARTIVÁL San Diego is coming to El Cajon.
Artivál San Diego is shaping up to be the art event of the year in East County.

Over fifty (50) artists will be on hand to exhibit their creations. Their art will be for sale. And you can use the opportunity to meet the artists face-to-face. It is an amazing opportunity to meet these amazing people.
While you are there, enjoy the live entertainment, gourmet food trucks, and a beer and wine garden showcasing premier regional wineries and San Diego’s top breweries.
It is no surprise the event is causing a media buzz. FINE San Diego magazine writes: “Forget what you thought you knew about El Cajon.” El Cajon Ignites with Artivál Street Festival This June
The Times of San Diego says: “A new cultural tradition is coming to East County.” Artivál brings culture, creativity, and community to Downtown El Cajon
San Diego Magazine calls Artival “a vibrant showcase” and an “open air celebrations … to highlight the community’s cultural identity.” Arts and Culture
– – – – –
Artivál San Diego is backed by a coalition of businesses including The Magnolia, the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, East County Art Association, Olaf Wieghorst Museum, Carlos Castrejon, Denise Rich Art, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, Downtown Cafe Bar & Grill, Por Favor Mexican Restaurant, and Rodizio Grill – San Diego. Together they support the largest art and wine festival held in East County San Diego’s El Cajon Art and Entertainment District.
The 2025 ARTIVÁL Art + Wine + Music Festival makes its debut in Downtown El Cajon on June 7th.

Spring Garden Show
2025-06-10 11:00 - 2025-07-13 15:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
It is a Spring Garden Show!
Join us for a Spring Garden Show at the Olaf Wieghorst Botanical Garden. This year we are celebrating spring with both indoor and outdoor displays of flowering plants.
Indoors we have the vivid floral artistry of Gail Nellans. Outdoors we have flowering Opintias, Cereus, Aloes, Hesperaloe and Tephrocactus.

The exhibit runs now through July 12th. Open Fridays – Saturdays – Sundays. Check museum for hours.

Meet the Artist - Gail Nellans
2025-07-12 13:00 - 17:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
Meet the Artist – Gail Nellans
Meet the artist – Gail Nellans – the artist behind Vivid Art by Gail. You enjoyed her work at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum Botanical Garden’s Spring Garden Show. Now you can meet Gail in person.
Gail is finishing her exhibition at the Wieghorst Museum with a closing reception.

Join Us!
Saturday | July 12th, 2025| 1pm-5pm
Free Entry|Enjoy Light Refreshments

Downtown El Cajon Business Partners' District Identity & Placemaking Committee Meeting
2025-08-12 13:30 - 15:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
You are invited to attend the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners’ District Identity & Placemaking Committee Meeting on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at 1:30pm. The meeting will be held in a new location, at The Olaf Wieghorst Museum (131 Rea Avenue).

Voting Committee Members:

Paris Landen, Chair
Cat Zeman
Nate Prescott

Other Board Members and Public welcome to attend and participate, but are not eligible to vote.

Please find the packet for your review by clicking on this link: https://de5641ae-ac05-43de-859c-b8dff17c146d.usrfiles.com/ugd/de5641_0af9d9ec51b44f01b47c062d5b84ec0c.pdf

We will have copies of packets available on Tuesday.

The Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst
2025-09-12 00:00 - 2025-10-10 00:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
The etchings of Olaf Wieghorst were created between 1936 and 1940. In all there were forty-seven (47) produced. Twenty-six (26) original etchings along with one original copper etching plate are on display at the exhibition.

“In Trouble” depicts a twisting bronc as it tries to throw its rider. It is the artist’s best known etching.

Learn more about the Olaf Wieghorst story and lost art of copper plate etching. The museum is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays 11am to 3 pm.
The Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst debuts at the 14th Annual Alley Cat Art Walk on Friday September 12th at 4 p.m..

Alley Cat Artwalk 2025 - El Cajon
2025-09-12 16:00 - 20:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
Come Join us for the Alley Cat Artwalk 2025 and the opening of an exhibition of
The Etchings of Olaf Wieghorst
at the Alley Cat Artwalk 2025 venue: the Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center.

And don’t forget to visit our Alley Cat Partners
At Alley Cat Artwalk 2025!
Visit each of our partners and return your completed passport card to be entered in a drawing for a chance to win a Wieghorst print.

See you there!

David Lund Memorial
2025-09-13 16:00 - 20:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
Memorial gathering for museum volunteer David Joseph Lund (1955-2025).

Hauntfest El Cajon 2025
2025-10-17 16:00 - 21:00 | Downtown El Cajon, El Cajon, California, 92020
Hauntfest on Main is an annual family-friendly Halloween themed event held in Downtown El Cajon. This free event features live music, costume contests, carnival rides, a haunted car show, and a variety of local vendors offering food, crafts, games and more!
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
Time: 4:00pm – 9:00pm
Location: Downtown El Cajon
Event Information

Boots & Belles
2025-11-08 14:00 - 18:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
It is a fashion show at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum!
Boots & Belles and Wear Live Art (WALA) bring fashion and art together, showcasing clothing and accessories with a western flair.
Buy Tickets Now!

This event is our first fashion show in over a decade and we are excited to bring art and western fashion together for our members and guests.
If you are not a museum member, this is your chance to join the excitement.
When: Saturday, November 8th, 2025 2pm to 6 pm
Where: Olaf Wieghorst Museum 131 Rea Avenue, El Cajon
Parking: Free on street parking and at a nearby public lot.
Admission: Members – $15; Non-Members – $25; Admission plus one year membership – $35
For additional information, call Helen at 619-599-3686.

Mary Jane Parkinson Exhibition
2025-11-21 11:00 - 2025-12-31 17:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
On Display Now!
The private world of author Mary Jane Parkinson

Mary Jane Parkinson is a name synonymous with Arabian horses. She is the author of several books about the Arabian horse including:
The Kellogg Arabian Ranch: the First 50 Years (1975)
The Tersk Heritage: in Recognition of the History and Future of the Arabian Horse (co-author) (1986)
And Ride Away Singing (1989)
The Romance of the Kellogg Ranch (1990)
Gladys Brown Edwards: Artist, Scholar, Author (2006)
“Janey” served for over twenty (20) years as Editor of the Arabian Horse World Magazine, becoming a leading voice and authority in the industry.
Please join us for a tribute to this 99 year old chronicler of the Arabian horse in America.
. . .
For information about attendance at the
Mary Jane Parkinson Legacy Reception
on
Friday, December 12, 2025,
contact: ecaa@eastcountyart.org
Or Click Here
Reception Information

Learn more about Mary Jane Parkinson at
Mary Jane Parkinson

Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon
2025-11-29 16:00 - 20:00 | Downtown El Cajon, El Cajon, California, 92020
Visit the Wieghorst Museum
for

HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN DOWNTOWN EL CAJON

Saturday, November 29, 2025
4:00pm to 8:00pm
Prescott Promenade
​
Kick off the holiday season at Holiday Lights in Downtown El Cajon on Saturday, November 29th, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., featuring festive fun for the whole family including trackless train rides, live music, holiday vendors, a business walkabout with prizes, free photos with Santa, and more.
​
Mark your calendars for a day of fun, festivities, and shopping local.

Parking: FREE on a first come first serve basis at Magnolia Ave and Civic Center Way (233 Magnolia Ave, El Cajon, CA)
Parking maps at: https://www.magnoliasandiego.com/visit

San Diego Watercolor Society
2025-12-11 09:00 - 12:30 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
San Diego Watercolor Society Paint Out
San Diego Watercolor Society will hold a Paint Out in the Olaf Wieghorst Botanical Garden. Call for information.

Parkinson Legacy Reception
2025-12-12 15:00 - 19:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
Mary Jane Parkinson Legacy Reception
Join with us for the Parkinson Legacy Reception as we celebrate the remarkable world of Mary Jane Parkinson, one of the most respected authors, historians, and researchers in the Arabian horse industry.
For over 30 years, her writing, scholarship, and travels helped preserve the bloodlines, history, and cultural heritage of the Arabian horse around the world.
This special exhibition presents her private collection—a rare opportunity to view some of the most historically significant items she gathered throughout decades of research, travel, and authorship.
This event is FREE, but RSVP attending is required.

RSVP Here

Downtown El Cajon Business Partners Board of Directors Meeting - Special
2026-01-21 12:00 - 14:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
You are invited to attend the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners’ Board of Directors’ – Special Meeting on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Noon. The meeting will be held at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum (131 Rea Avenue).

The meeting and agenda packet can be found at: https://www.downtownelcajon.com/meeting-detail/decbp-board-of-directors-meeting-special-jan-2026

The Downtown El Cajon Business Partners (DECBP) Association holds Board and committee meetings on a regular basis. Members of the public are encouraged to attend. The DECBP Board of Directors reviews all content that comes out of committees, task forces, or pertinent items that need to be addressed by the Board or needs action of the Board. All DECBP meetings are open to the general public, unless when in Closed Session, to discuss personnel or legal matters.

San Diego Museum Month Reception
2026-02-07 15:00 - 18:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
Reception Celebrating San Diego Museum Month

Stay tuned for more information!

Paint with Julia
2026-02-15 12:00 - 14:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
You are invited to spend an afternoon with internationally known artist Julia Volodina.

Julia is a classically trained artist who has agreed to paint with us every Sunday afternoon – weather permitting – in the Wieghorst Botanical Garden.
Anyone can come by to watch, ask questions or bring their own equipment and paint with her.
Julia will be focusing on representational art – in the tradition of Olaf Wieghorst – but her art spans many genres. Whether novice or professional, Julia can guide and inspire artists developing their knowledge and skills.
The Olaf Wieghorst Museum is excited to offer this new opportunity for interacting with the art community.
Come Paint with Julia!

Private Event
2026-04-21 07:00 - 09:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
Reserved for private event.

Downtown El Cajon Business Partners' Renewal Task Force Meeting
2026-04-28 12:00 - 14:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
You are invited to attend the Downtown El Cajon Business Partners’ on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at noon.
The meeting will be held at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum (131 Rea Avenue).
The Public is welcome to attend and participate, but are not eligible to vote.
You can also find this and other meetings packets on the website at https://www.downtownelcajon.com/meetings

Olaf Wieghorst's Birthday
2026-05-02 15:00 - 18:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
Save the Date!
Please join us for a celebration of the Olaf Wieghorst’s birthday and the opening of the Olaf Wieghorst Museum. The celebration will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Olaf Wieghorst Museum and Western Heritage Center in Downtown El Cajon.
Olaf was born in 1899 and would be 127 years old. The museum opened it doors on April 30, 2000 and is celebrating its twenty-sixth anniversary.
Join us in honoring the memory of a great Danish-American painter.
Original art and personal belongings of the artist will be on display.
Feel free to come early or stay late. The museum is open from 11 am to 3 pm.
This is an informal event. Cake and refreshments will be served. Admission is free. Parking is free.
RSVP to: Helen at 619-599-3686 or helen@WieghorstMuseum.org

Private Event
2026-05-09 15:00 - 17:00 | Olaf Wieghorst Museum, 131 Rea Ave, El Cajon, CA, 92020, United States
