In honor of the 201st anniversary of the birth of Thomas Whaley (October 5, 1823 – December 14, 1890), the Whaley House Museum has a series of events to celebrate the San Diego pioneer’s birthday.
Monday, September 30 – Friday, October 4
- Whaley Trivia – Online. One winner will be selected and will receive two tickets to the Whaley House Paranormal Investigation experience.
Thursday, October 3 – Thursday, October 31
- Unveiling of the Thomas Whaley special exhibit which includes some of the family’s personal items on loan from San Diego County. This exhibit will be displayed beginning October 3 through October 31 and will be part of the Day Tour.
Sunday, October 6
- All Day: Free admission to the Whaley House Day Tour (10AM-4:30PM) for everyone born on October 5. Must show government issued ID.
- 10 AM: Author Garner A. Palenske will talk about his new book, The Whaley House, Past and Present in the historic Whaley House courtroom followed by a book signing. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required as space is limited. RSVP by contacting the museum at [email protected].
- 10:30 AM: In honor of the Whaley family pet pug, Chubby, Pug Rescue of San Diego will be on hand with adoptable pugs for people to meet and pet, and of course, adopt.
- 11 AM: Thomas Whaley reenactor will be on hand for photos.
- 12 PM: A brief monologue by “Thomas Whaley” will take place inside the historic Whaley House Theater.
- 12:45 PM: Birthday cupcakes, while they last, will be served on the Whaley House grounds.
Thomas Whaley was born in New York City on October 5, 1823. In 1851 Whaley arrived in San Diego, CA in hopes of building his own success. Whether it was in property, financial investment, or as a merchant, Whaley’s legacy would be carried by a two-story Greek Revival brick building built in 1857. The Brick House, as it was known, housed San Diego’s 2nd County Courthouse, the county’s 1st commercial theater, a railway office, and various businesses showcasing Whaley’s instinct for entrepreneurship and his pioneering spirit.
Mr. Whaley’s “Brick House” is known as America’s Most Haunted house, where stories of family tragedies and the property’s dark history lure the curious and the fascinated.
Today, the Whaley House is managed by Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego. “We are honored to be entrusted with this incredible piece of San Diego history,” says Victor Santana, Operations Manager of the Whaley House Museum. “Each year we are trying to build on celebrating Thomas Whaley and the legacy he and his family left in San Diego. Once again, the County has shared some of the priceless Whaley Family pieces for us to display during Thomas Whaley Days which we are excited to share with the public.”
For additional information, please visit www.WhaleyHouseSanDiego.com.
