The Coronado Historical Association (CHA) welcomed community members and history enthusiasts to its 7th Annual Collections Luncheon on Tuesday, October 13, at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club. The annual gathering celebrated the importance of preserving Coronado’s history and recognized the people whose dedication helps protect the photographs, documents, maps, and artifacts that tell the community’s story.
The luncheon offered attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the ongoing work of CHA’s professional staff and trained volunteers to preserve the materials entrusted to their care. Vickie Stone, CHA’s Curator of Collections, shared highlights from the collection and stories about the past year’s preservation accomplishments.
Guests also viewed a display of recent acquisitions, including western film costumes worn by Coronadan Roy Stewart in the 1920s, a police motorcycle helmet from the 1980s, and a wooden menu from the Chart House. The items, among others, were displayed publicly for the first time, offering a glimpse into the diverse objects that help tell Coronado’s story. Together, these artifacts provide tangible connections to the community’s past, illuminating its people, institutions, and enduring relationship with the military.
The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of CHA’s 2026 Legacy Award to Arthur “Art” Wilcox, this year’s honorary chair, in recognition of his longstanding service and unwavering commitment to the Association and Coronado’s cultural heritage.
Established in 2024, the Legacy Award honors individuals who demonstrate a deep commitment to preserving CHA’s collections. Previous recipients include Mary Ann Chapple and Mary Ann “Pat” Mearns. Wilcox exemplifies that commitment through his years of leadership, generosity, and continued involvement in the organization.
In his remarks, Wilcox reflected on how his upbringing in Charleston, South Carolina, shaped his appreciation for history. Growing up surrounded by historic architecture, museums, and a strong sense of community heritage, he learned the importance of preserving the physical evidence of the past. His father, a newspaper editor who served on the Charleston Museum’s board of directors, helped instill that belief.
Wilcox also spoke about his family’s longstanding connection to Coronado. He arrived in San Diego in 1969 as a young Naval officer and returned to Coronado in 1980 with his wife, Dana, to raise their two children. His personal and professional experiences reinforced his belief that local history helps communities understand their identity and pass their stories to future generations.
Encouraging attendees to take an active role in that work, Wilcox urged residents to volunteer at CHA, consider donating meaningful family heirlooms to the collection, and give generously to support its ongoing care and preservation.
The afternoon concluded with attendees completing pledge cards in support of CHA’s preservation efforts and the continued growth of its collection. The annual silent auction of homemade desserts prepared by CHA volunteers added another beloved tradition to the gathering.
More than a fundraising event, the Collections Luncheon demonstrated how preserving Coronado’s heritage is a shared responsibility. Wilcox’s recognition with the 2026 Legacy Award underscored the importance of dedicated community members working alongside CHA’s professional staff and volunteers to ensure that the stories, people, and objects that define Coronado remain accessible for generations to come.
