Whaley House Museum

The Whaley House is located in Old Town San Diego and is an example of the Greek Revival architecture of the mid-19th century. The house was dedicated a historic house museum in the 1960's and has been open to the public ever since. More than 100,000 people visit the property every year and many people travel a great distance to experience the house. The building is owned by the County of San Diego and is managed by the Save Our Heritage Organisation. The Whaley House was originally a granary and later became a courthouse. It was designed by Thomas Whaley and was one of the first two-store brick buildings in the city. In addition to serving as the Whaley Home, the building was also San Diego's first commercial theatre, a general store and now, a museum. Visitors to the complex can enjoy the house museum, the Verna House, the SOHO Museum Shop, two false front store buildings, the Derby-Pendleton House and the 19th'century rustic gazebo. Perhaps the most popular feature of the house is its legends of hauntings. In 1885, Violet Whaley committed suicide. There were also a number of hangings that occurred on the grounds. In addition to being on the National Register of Historic Places, it is also considered one of the most haunted properties in the United States.