Digging Into the Past: A Conversation with Thomas Kessler and the History Center of San Luis Obispo #ARTober
ARTober keeps rolling, and this week, we took a deep dive into San Luis Obispo’s rich history with Thomas Kessler, Executive Director of the History Center of SLO County. If you’ve ever strolled downtown, you’ve probably passed the cool old brick building by the creek, across from the Mission. What you may not know is that it’s the city’s first free library, now home to the History Center, where the stories of SLO’s past are kept alive through exhibits, events, and some pretty fascinating artifacts.
One of the highlights of our conversation was the Dallidet Adobe, a serene garden tucked just off Pacific Street. “We straddle the line between hidden gem and completely unknown,” Thomas told me, perfectly summing up the charm of this hidden oasis. As the season winds down, Mumtober on October 26th will be your last chance to visit before the Adobe closes for the season. It’s a special event featuring over 20 varieties of mums, heirloom vegetables from the garden, and soups made with produce grown on-site. Whether you’re a plant lover, foodie, or history buff, Mumtober offers a little something for everyone.
We also uncovered some cool local lore, like the surprising history of the Charles Shoes building downtown. “That building was the original town hall and police station,” Thomas said. “There are still jail cells in the back storage room, complete with the original iron door and bars on the skylights. I really hope whoever moves in keeps that bit of history.” I mean, how cool is that? An old shoe store that used to house the city jail!
Thomas reminded me that history isn’t just about looking back; it’s about seeing the whole picture from different perspectives. “We’re working hard to highlight stories and voices that haven’t always been represented,” he explained. “History isn’t just a collection of facts—it’s shaped by the people who lived it, and every decision made in the past has brought us to where we are today.” It’s an important reminder that history is always in the making—and it belongs to everyone.
This thoughtful approach to storytelling is part of what makes the History Center such a valuable resource for the community. With events like their Octagon Barn Gala on October 19th, focused on the contributions of different ethnic groups who built SLO, the Center invites everyone to connect with the past while looking toward the future.
The History Center is open every day (except Tuesdays) from 11 AM to 5 PM, with special research access for those looking to dive deeper into the archives. And if you want to explore the Dallidet Adobe before it closes, don’t miss Mumtober on October 26th—it’s a perfect way to enjoy the season and take home some gorgeous flowers.
You can listen to my full interview with Thomas Kessler on Up+Adam here and learn more about how the History Center keeps SLO’s stories alive.
I’m excited to partner with the City of San Luis Obispo all month long for ARTober, showcasing the people and organizations that make our community vibrant. Stay tuned for next week’s feature...SLO Rep Theatre.