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Discover National City History in the Kile Morgan Local History Room

 The Kile Morgan Local History Room houses the Library’s collection of National City history materials.  This unique collection, rich in primary sources, supports the room’s mission to preserve the heritage of past and present accomplishments in National City for both residents and researchers.  Many items are gifts to the Library and citizens are invited to donate National City papers, photographs or other items for preservation in the Library at 1401 National City Boulevard.
The room is on the second floor.  Service is available by appointment only.  For research requests, please email localhistory@nationalcityca.gov or call the Reference Desk at (619) 470-5870. 

Local History Room
open by appointment
Tuesday & Thursday
11am - 1pm

Email requests to
localhistory@nationalcityca.gov
or call (619) 470-5870.

Locally published book on National City history: Early National City, by Matthew Nye and Marilyn Carnes

Early National City "Below the surface of bustling National City lies the story of olive and citrus orchards, grand Victorian homes, great wealth, and the coming of the first railroad. Founded in 1868 by Frank Kimball, National City is credited with multiple distinguished firsts. On the county level, the San Diego County Fair originated here, the first novel published was by a National City pioneer, the first free kindergarten opened here, the first automobile was built here, and the first railroad terminus was located here. On the state level, the first woman to serve as an elected member of a school board lived in National City. Today the city is home to 61,000 residents; and as an accessible and diverse community, all eyes now look upon National City as it begins to experience a renaissance of growth and commerce."            

About the Authors

Matthew Nye and Marilyn Carnes have both kindled their love of National City history while working in the Morgan Local History Room here at the National City Public Library.  Mrs. Carnes has lived in National City for over 30 years while restoring her Victorian home. The vintage photographs they have gathered are largely from our collection here at the National City Public Library.

History Collection

Archives & Manuscripts
Arts & Artifacts
Books & Journals
Directories
Maps & Blueprints
Microfilm Collection
Oral Histories
Newspapers
Photographs
Scrapbooks
Subject & Bibliographical Files
Yearbooks

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