A New Beginning

The San Diego Sheriff’s Museum aims to collect, preserve, and showcase artifacts that tell the story of the SDSO’s history and its vital role in the community. Our exhibits will be designed to educate and inspire visitors of all ages, offering interactive and imaginative experiences that bring the past to life. Beyond the exhibits, the museum will foster civic pride by engaging with local stakeholders, employing professional staff, and recruiting dedicated volunteers passionate about preserving this important legacy.

The original William B. Kolender Sheriff’s Museum opened in Old Town, San Diego, adjacent to the site of the county’s first jail. Spearheaded by Mary Walsh and supported by the San Diego County Honorary Deputy Sheriffs Association (SDCHDSA), the museum thrived for many years. However, the impact of COVID-19 in early 2020 led to its closure. By 2022, the SDCHDSA Board decided to permanently close the museum and sell the building, which had appreciated significantly in value. Despite our efforts to keep the museum open, the SDCHDSA moved forward with the sale, and most exhibits were returned to the Sheriff’s Office for safekeeping.

As we work towards re-opening the museum, our focus is on finding a suitable venue that will serve as the new home for the San Diego Sheriff’s Museum. We are also actively securing funding to support both the acquisition of this new space and its long-term operations. Our vision is to create a space where history is preserved, stories are told, and the community can engage with the legacy of the San Diego Sheriff’s Office.

This journey to re-opening is driven by our commitment to honoring the past while building a bright future for the museum and the community it serves.