The Balboa Park Heritage Association and its community sponsor the Women’s Museum of California present Spring to the Past, the first Balboa Park Centennial event for 2015, celebrating the Panama California Exposition of 1915.
Turn the clock back to the 1915 Exposition with hundreds of period costumes, Penny Farthing riders of period velocipedes and bicycles, brave Suffragettes from the Women’s Museum marching for women’s right to vote and much more. There will be free docent-guided tours of the historic core of the park and period dancing in the Balboa Park Club.
Spring to the Past is a one-day centennial gathering and celebration, April 11 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in Balboa Park. The historic core of the park created for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition will be the gathering spot for large and small groups and individuals in period costumes, strolling about in character enjoying the Exposition. These volunteers in character will be San Diego residents and visitors from other cities in the Unites States and abroad who have traveled to San Diego for the wonders of the Exposition. Visitors are encouraged to introduce themselves, ask questions and take photographs.
Schedule of Events and Venues
10 AM – 4 PM: From the Woman’s Museum of California ,Costumed re-enactors of brave San Diego Suffragists will be marching, demonstrating and informing the public about their struggle to obtain the vote for women. In 1915, women could not vote in any federal elections and most state elections. Cabrillo Bridge, Plaza de California, Plaza de Panama, El Prado and the Organ Pavilion areas.
10 AM – 4 PM: The Plaza de Panama will be home for many period bicyclists in their amazing wheeled devices. Watch these skilled riders demonstrate proper techniques for mounting, riding and dismounting these great bikes, ask questions, take videos and photographs.
11 AM – 5 PM: International Folk Dance Spring Festival. Dance exhibition and instruction of authentic folk dancing from the 1915 era and other times. Balboa Park Club Building. All are welcome to this great free event. Come watch these talented and colorful dance groups.
12 Noon – 4 PM: An English Village Fete. The International Cottages and House of England will host this festival of period costumes, Shakespeare, music, dance and food. This venue will be headquarters for the penny farthing period bicycle group whose members will also be riding in the Plaza de Panama.
10 AM- 5 PM: Steam Punk fun. “Steam Punk” is not an authentic period recreation, but always great fun. Think Jules Verne meets “Wild, Wild West”. Punkers in amazing costumes will be at the House of England, Plaza de Panama and other major venues.
11 AM, 1 PM & 3 PM: Film, “Balboa Park, The Jewel of San Diego” – an original film for the Centennial produced by the San Diego History Center. Presented in the theater of the San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado [Admission Fee for non-members of the Center].
10 AM- 4 PM: Special Centennial exhibits at the San Diego History Center; “San Diego Invites the World, the 1915 EXPO” and “Masterworks, Art of the Exposition Era” [Admission fee for non-members of the Center.]
9:30 AM – 4 PM: Audio Tours of Balboa Park. A fascinating 1.5 hour audio tour of Balboa Park may be rented at the Balboa Park Visitors Center covering Park history, architecture, horticulture, and cultural attractions–all created by experts in the field. $5.00 fee.
11 AM – 4 PM: Walking Tours of the 1915 Exposition Grounds. One- hour walking tours of the historic core of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition Grounds and buildings, led by volunteer Docents from the Balboa Park Heritage Association. Tour groups will meet every hour on the half-hour at the fountain in the center of the Plaza de Panama. Free, with contributions to the Balboa Park Heritage Association cheerfully accepted.
10 AM- 4 PM: Museum tours and special Centennial Exhibits, Marston House. Historic Marston House, located on 7th Avenue across the Cabrillo Bridge and to the north, is home to two special Centennial exhibits; “Exposition Designers 1915-1935, The Making of the Dream City” and “Souvenirs and Keepsakes; memorabilia of the 1915 and 1935 Expositions” [Admission fee for non-members of SOHO].
10:30 AM- 4 PM: Official Balboa Park Centennial Merchandise; hats, clothing and more from the Balboa Park Heritage Association. Sales Center is located in the entry foyer to the Balboa Park Club. All proceeds go to the BPHA’s non- profit work to preserve, protect, maintain and celebrate Balboa Park.
10 AM- 4 PM: MORE— The Balboa Park museums and institutions will be open for their normal Saturday schedules. We encourage you to visit them on April 11, consider becoming a member, and buy your tickets for a great performance at the Old Globe Theatre. The Park is your park. Enjoy this remarkable and historic place. Please help the Balboa Park Historical Association and friends preserve, protect, maintain and celebrate the Park.
For more information call 619-807-2694.
Schedule of Events and Venues
11 AM, 1 PM & 3 PM: Film, “Balboa Park, The Jewel of San Diego” – an original film for the Centennial produced by the San Diego History Center. Presented in the theater of the San Diego History Center, 1649 El Prado [Admission Fee for non-members of the Center].
