If you’re looking for a fascinating, fresh way to experience San Diego’s history this summer, there’s a new exhibit in town that you won’t want to miss.
Opening June 13, the La Jolla Historical Society will debut the Kumeyaay Visual Storytelling Project — an immersive exhibit that brings the stories of the Kumeyaay Nation to life through the pages of two graphic novels: Our Past, Present and Future and Beyond Gaming.
The goal? To give visitors an Indigenous-led perspective on the history and culture of the Kumeyaay people, the original inhabitants of the San Diego region — past, present, and future.
Why Graphic Novels?
The project began when Kumeyaay historians and artists saw a need for more accurate and authentic representations of California history. Far too often, these stories have been told from outside perspectives or have been left out altogether.
Graphic novels provided a fresh, accessible way to change that. They blend powerful storytelling with striking visual art, making the history and culture of the Kumeyaay people more engaging and approachable for all ages.
As historian Ethan Banegas puts it, "It is imperative to bring awareness to the broader public that the Kumeyaay people still live here."
What You'll Experience
Visitors to the Wisteria Cottage gallery will step into an immersive space designed to evoke the atmosphere of traditional oral storytelling. The exhibit will feature:
- Enlarged pages from the graphic novels, allowing for an up-close look at the illustrations and narratives.
- Suspended textiles created by local students, dyed with constellation patterns to reflect the night sky and honor the oral tradition of storytelling.
- Video interviews with the graphic novels' authors and other Kumeyaay historians, giving visitors a chance to hear these stories in the voices of those who know them best.
- Artifacts and language displays that offer insights into Kumeyaay culture, past and present.
Together, these elements create an experience that is both informative and deeply personal — a chance to connect with a living history that is often overlooked.
Why This Exhibit Matters
Many people in San Diego may be familiar with the Kumeyaay through place names or tribal gaming operations. But as Banegas and his fellow creators emphasize, there is so much more to their story.
The Kumeyaay Nation once encompassed a vast territory extending from present-day San Diego and Imperial Counties to Baja California, Mexico. Today, the Nation includes 13 federally recognized reservations in California and several communities in Mexico.
Through this exhibit, the creators aim to share a more complete and nuanced understanding of Kumeyaay history, culture, and resilience. As Banegas writes, "Indian gaming is just a drop in the ocean. We make a concerted effort to go beyond gaming in our narrative."
If You Go
Kumeyaay Visual Storytelling Project
Location: La Jolla Historical Society’s Wisteria Cottage gallery
Dates: June 13 through August 31, 2025
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Public opening reception: Friday, June 13, 7–8 p.m.
If you enjoy learning about local culture, exploring hidden histories, or simply appreciate great storytelling, this exhibit is well worth your time. Bring a friend, bring your family, and take this unique opportunity to experience the stories of the Kumeyaay people — stories that continue to shape the land we call home.
For more details, visit La Jolla Historical Society.
