Some Frequently Asked Questions

Currently, there is no physical museum location. We are actively searching for a suitable venue and will announce updates here as soon as they become available. In the meantime, we’re expanding our website to offer a Virtual Museum experience. Soon, you’ll be able to explore many of our artifacts and access additional history about the San Diego Sheriff’s Office online.

Yes, donations to the San Diego Sheriff’s Museum are tax-deductible. We are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization, so your contributions are eligible for deduction under IRS regulations. If you have specific tax questions, please consult with a tax professional.

You can make a donation online by clicking the “Donate” button on the main banner. If you prefer to donate by check, please mail your donation to:

San Diego Sheriff’s Museum
P.O. Box 1004
Lakeside, CA 92040

Please make checks payable to “San Diego Sheriff’s Museum.”

The William B. Kolender Sheriff’s Museum was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The building’s owner decided to permanently close the museum and sell the property, which had significantly appreciated in value. Unfortunately, the current asking price for the building is beyond our financial resources.

Most of the artifacts were on loan from the Sheriff’s Office and have been returned for safekeeping. They are currently stored in various Sheriff’s Stations. Once we secure a new location, the Sheriff’s Office has assured us that these artifacts will be re-loaned to the new museum.

Over the years, the office has been referred to as both the San Diego Sheriff’s Office and the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. As of June 10, 2024, the official name is the “San Diego Sheriff’s Office.”

We are always looking for volunteers! Please visit our “Get Involved” page to learn more. Whether you’re a historian, researcher, intern, or interested in becoming a docent once we reopen, we would love to have you join us.

We welcome any corrections to our website content. Please email us at info@SanDiegoSheriffsMuseum.org, including the specific webpage, the incorrect information, and the correct details. If you have supporting references, such as newspaper articles or other media, please include those as well.

If you have items you’d like to donate, please email us at info@SanDiegoSheriffsMuseum.org with your contact information (name, email, and phone number) and a brief description of the item(s). One of our staff members will follow up with you for more details.